Mercy and Forgiveness
One of my favorite pro-life signs I’ve seen while praying downtown is a sign that simply says, “Mercy,” and has a photo of a baby in the womb. It always reminds me of Jesus, who offers divine mercy to all who ask for it. We, who are all sinners, need to ask for God’s mercy, whether we’re in the confessional, or in daily prayer. When we fervently pray for mothers-to-be to choose life for their developing child, we ask that they have mercy on their son or daughter. To allow them to be born and become the joy of their lives.
God also asks each of us to be merciful to others, and, I think, especially to those that persecute us. How many of us have had vulgar things said to us or been given one-finger salutes while praying downtown? Probably almost all of us. Jesus teaches us
that it is easy to love those who love us, but that that is not enough. We need to love our enemies. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Being merciful to others also means offering true forgiveness to those that persecute and offend us. To pray for them, and mean it. Jesus’ example of mercy and forgiveness of others, while dying on the cross, was, “Father, forgive them, for they do
not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 As we approach the midpoint of the Campaign, let us all make an extra effort to show mercy to those opposed to us, to forgive them for what they do, or are about to do, and pray for them.
-Chris
Don’t miss this great event! Learn more and register here:
https://www.corministriespgh.org/events/the-sacrament-of-marriage-spiritual-warfare
Stories from the Sidewalk
Katie, Kathy, Mark, Kim, David with image of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Elk County Right to Life Group
Thanks to all who came to pray, advocate, and hold signs today to end abortion. Our prayers go out to Bill H. and family as they grieve the loss of little Imani (Bill’s infant granddaughter.)
Many clients entered PP. A few brochures were accepted. An aggressive encounter from a woman driver who parked by the curb as she entered her vehicle after exiting PP. She threw the brochures onto the hood of her car and told us to stop harassing women. She yelled that sometimes women need to have abortions in the case of being raped (by one’s father.) With that and some expletives, she drove off. Ten minutes later, her passenger entered PP which was very disappointing as she earlier had accepted our brochures and free pregnancy tests Katie brought.
A few positive honks from motorists and thumbs up from tour guide of Pittsburgh’s double decker bus.
Kathy
Mary Catherine
Jack
Our shift was very busy, with several couples going into Planned Parenthood. No one wanted to take information about pro-life options.
The only person willing to take information was a woman coming out of PP who I saw was carrying a photo of her sonogram. I congratulated her and offered her our free resources brochure, which she accepted.
The prayer warriors from Elk County prayed with us through the shift.
Linda
Janet & Amy
Bob, Mary Ann, Frank, Teresa & Mary
Greg and the ladies from St. Mary’s, PA: Fuzzy, Janet, Laurey, Mary, Mary B & Amy
Frank, Teresa, Mary, Bob & Mary Ann
There were many blessings on the sidewalk today and many volunteers. Thank you to our faithful prayer warriors from St. Matthew’s Parish, Bob, Frank, Mary Ann & Teresa; and the faithful group of women that traveled all the way from St. Mary’s, PA, Amy, Fuzzy, Janet, Laurey, Mary & Mary B. Many prayers were lifted up today. Several prayed the rosary too. Some went into PP and many would not take any information. Greg and I did our best to hand out information to passersby. We were blessed to have a few wonderful interactions. People are very excited when they hear all the help that the Pregnancy Resource Centers offer. A couple walked out of PP and were offered our resource pamphlet. They said, “Oh no, it’s already done.” I said but you might need some help and when you do, we will be here for you. One conversation was with a woman who was parked waiting for someone that went into the DMV. She had two children in the car and was pregnant. I offered her a resource pamphlet and explained that if she needed help she could contact any one of the Pregnancy Resource Centers. She indeed said she needed help. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings on the sidewalk, the fellowship, and the people you place on our path. God is good! All the time!
Donna
Faithful Mike and Bill
Beautiful prayer warriors from Weirton, West Virginia