Forgiveness
One of the most difficult emotions I feel while praying in front of PP is anger. I know I shouldn’t feel it, but I do. I think, “How could a mother end the life of her child?” “How can she do this”?
But I know that if Jesus were praying next to me on the sidewalk, he would not feel anger. He would offer forgiveness, as he did to the adulterous woman, with the instruction “Then neither do I condemn you. Now go and sin no more.” As difficult as it is, we need to offer our love and help and forgiveness to everyone involved in the abortion- the mother, the father, the abortion workers.
Even as he hung dying on the cross, in indescribable agony, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 22:34
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44
I am often guilty of judging those who enter PP. I need to remember that they, too, are made in the image and likeness of God.
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” John 8:7
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37.
Chris
Kim & Joe 8-10
(From Kim) – Miracles do happen!! A lot of wood dust (from the carpentry work next door), filled the air in front of PP this morning and an unexpected employee from PP gave us a package of masks to wear!
It was busy this morning, a lot of couples entering PP, really nobody took any information.
Pat & Mary 10-12
(From Mary) – Today is the feast of the Guardian Angels. I prayed for the Guardian angels of the innocent babies in the womb together with the guardian angels of the Mom and Dad going into PP to speak truth and courage in the ears of the moms and dads to leave PP and let their babies live. Sadly no one walked out or accepted literature but we don’t know how the spiritual battle will be won for the women we witnessed going in today. It was a little slower than a normal Friday morning. Only 4 or 5 women entered during the 10-12 shift( about half than the number that entered last Friday). No one accepted literature or listened to our help. Pat prayed kneeling and I prayed all four mysteries of the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet. I had a nice conversation with a young man who thanked us for being there who was currently reading CS Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. We discussed how the enemy is manipulating language- like “Abortion is healthcare” when real health care doesn’t intentionally kill human beings. We also witnessed a trio of young people expressed their disapproval of our presence by kicking the pro life sign of the babies saved from abortion. What a sign to kick! I was reminded of today’s Gospel reading which stated “ “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
Dan & Joanne 12-2
(From Dan) – The rain came down and our prayers went up , as we prayed The Joyous Mysteries, and Divine Mercy Chaplets . Joanne offered help to the several people going in and out, but they weren’t having any of it.
Paulette, Katie, Val & Mike 2-4
(From Val) – Thank you to Katie and Paulette for being there today. It was wet and unpleasant outside PP, with mostly clients and workers exiting. Katie tried to hand out resources, and we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the four mysteries of the Rosary.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
What a loving, caring action for the Planned Parenthood employee to give you face masks against the dust! May God bless them for their kindness.
Chris, what about Jesus’s words in Matt 18:6 “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.” and Mark 10:14 says that Jesus was indignant toward his disciples for prohibiting the mothers from bringing their children to Him to bless. Jesus is a great protector of children. I think we should return to sayi ng “Don’t kill your baby!”
Of course we should plead for the lives of the precious babies threatened with imminent execution by PP. While we must not judge anyone’s soul (as we can’t read minds or hearts), we can certainly judge that AN ACTION is evil & unjust, and it is our duty to speak up for those being dragged to the slaughter. I think all of us involved in 40Days are actually in agreement on that?
God bless volunteers Mary and Pat for not being upset or angry when passersby kicked the sign. I struggle with not reacting to people’s hurtful comments, but never experienced physical attacks on the displays. I have to remember that it is a good opportunity to offer a prayer for their poor souls as Our Lord prayed for us from the cross. So wonderful of PP employee to give masks to Kim and Joe. It shows that our presence really touches the hearts of people! God bless all who served today.