Day 17: Thanks to Allison Park Church, St. Matthew Parish, and all who joined with us in prayer today!

It’s been a difficult week. We are grieving over heartbreaking events at PP, the return of Fr. Joe’s life-threatening illness, and the continuing tragedy in Ukraine. These things weigh on us heavily. But I’m so grateful to our merciful God–Who knows I’m weak and tempted to despair–for comforting and reassuring me in a number of ways over the last few days.

I’ll share one of those comforts with you in the hopes that it will lift you up, too. My 8-year-old daughter was very excited to serve as a lector at Mass for the first time this morning, where she read the passage from Genesis describing how Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt. It got me thinking about how carefully the Divine Author wove together the events of Joseph’s life. Eventually, the same brothers who betrayed him went to Egypt to ask for assistance in a time of terrible famine. They were shocked to learn that the one who could help them was none other than Joseph himself:

“I am Joseph,” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could give him no answer, so dumbfounded were they at him. “Come closer to me,” Joseph told his brothers. When they had done so, he said: “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. But now do not be distressed, and do not be angry with yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you. The famine has been in the land for two years now, and for five more years cultivation will yield no harvest. God, therefore, sent me on ahead of you to ensure for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives in an extraordinary deliverance. So it was not really you but God who had me come here; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt.

GEN 45:3-7

God took all of the awful things done to Joseph and used them for good…not just for Joseph himself, but for future generations. God is willing and able to do the same for each of us when we give everything over to Him. What an beautiful reason not to lose hope! May the prayer below (one of my favorites, the closing of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy) remind us to trust in God, Who loves us beyond all understanding and works through all things for the good of those who love Him.

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

-Jen

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SIDEWALK REPORTS

7-9 AM +++ Barbara and Richard

Richard, Bill and I arrived to witness for life. Passers by answered our “God bless you,” with their return blessing. God is with us on the sidewalk! The PP “Volunteer Escort” arrived and stood ready, opening doors for the mothers who carried their babies they had scheduled to be killed at this Pittsburgh address. Pittsburgh is my hometown. I am ashamed. I cannot stand idly by. One abortion bound little family spoke with us. Kathy walked over and leaned in. Together with Mark we prayed. The situation of this family is heartbreaking and complicated. But this could be an ALLELUIA moment for them. Each complication … treated with respect and given time … can be moved in the right direction. But they were not interested in the help we offered. They trusted abortion to solve their problems. Sheila’s handout might be useful later. Not having to wear so many clothing layers made me lazy and I forgot our camera. Too bad, because so many beautiful people arrived to witness with their pastor, just as we were leaving. Mark arrived early as usual. He had his Rosary out and began to pray. Peace.

Barbara

9-11 AM +++ Michael, Kathy, and Mark

With me today was a group from Allison Park Assembly of God including Pastor Vince and wife Kathy, three members from the Cultural Impact of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and regulars Michael, Theresa, and Mark.  The PP escort was there also until 10:30.
Prayers were offered for the ending of abortion and specifically for two women informing us of their intended abortions today.  One of the women listened to the offers of help and took resources but declined to pursue that help. Another grievous Friday.

Kathy

11 AM-1 PM +++ Katie and Elsie

It was very busy there today.  Only hopeful signs were passers-by.

Elsie

1-3 PM +++ Elaine and Donna

It was a beautiful day to be outside today.  Thank you to our faithful friends from St. Matthew Parish for being with Elaine & I today.  Bob, Kathleen, Frank, Mary Anne, Bernadette and Elaine prayed the rosary on one side and I prayed and talked to passersby and those going into PP.  Unfortunately many went in to sacrifice their children today. Father forgive them for they know not what they do.  I offered one woman literature knowing she will need it for post-abortion healing and she said, “Oh no, it’s gone, I’m good.”  Many are deceived by the lies of our culture and don’t know any better.  How sad that babies are just discarded like they are something to be taken care of or getting rid of a problem.  Sadly their problems are just beginning.  How many times have your heard that someone couldn’t have children when they wanted to because of a prior abortion?  Abortion kills an innocent child and scars the mother for life. After losing my mom and dad last fall, I know they are in heaven holding all these precious babies that lose their life at PP in Pittsburgh.  May God change the workers’ hearts and have mercy on them.  If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,  then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14 Blessing For Life,

Donna

3-5 PM +++ Val and Mike

5-7 PM +++ Pat and Bill