The Evening Prayer (1857)
Pierre-Edouard Frere (1891-1886)
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Public Domain
https://us.magnificat.com
Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come! Matthew 18: 7
“Casual sex” is breaking America’s heart. Actually,“casual sex” is an oxymoron. Who do you know who is casual about sex?
The $2 billion abortion industry controls the most muscular American voice in the “casual sex” conversation. They own the vocabulary. They routinely find ways into school curriculum. Here’s their pitch. Sex is a curiosity. It is a toy. It is an “it.” When you learn how to manage sex, you can make it work for you. Sex is no big deal. If your heart resists this idea – work harder. Oops, pregnancy! That’s a surprise. How did that happen? You did not work hard enough. It is your fault. Fix the problem. Hire someone to kill and get rid of it. Find a way to get the money. Many important people support Planned Parenthood. It must be a good thing. Keep your choice secret from anyone who might help you choose life. Be a good sport. Killing your child is a smart backup plan. Before you leave after your abortion, remember to get contraception. Pay attention. Do it right. Sex can again be “casual,” “free,” and “no strings” for you! You can do it. Keep trying!
But the baby and your heart absolutely hum with “strings!” God makes you this way. With your incalculably intricate strings, he draws you to His heart.
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, San Francisco, speaks publicly and eloquently against abortion. One of his parishioners is the confrontational, Catholic Mass attending, persistent public Holy Eucharist receiving, pro-abortion Democrat Leader of the House of Representatives. Archbishop Cordileone’s “Opinion: Our duty to challenge Catholic politicians who support abortion rights” was published in The Washington Post, September 5, 2021. Here are some excerpts.
The example of New Orleans Archbishop Joseph Rummel, who courageously confronted the evils of racism, is one that I especially admire. Rummel did not “stay in his lane.” Unlike several other bishops throughout this country’s history, he did not prioritize keeping parishioners and the public happy above advancing racial justice. Instead, he began a long, patient campaign of moral suasion to change the opinions of pro-segregation White Catholics.
Rummel patiently sent letters urging a conversion of heart, but he was also willing to threaten opponents of desegregation with excommunication.
On April 16, 1962, he followed through, excommunicating a former judge, a well-known writer and a segregationist community organizer. Two of the three later repented and died Catholics in good standing.
Was that wrong? Was that weaponizing the Eucharist? No. Rummel recognized that prominent, high-profile public advocacy for racism was scandalous: It violated core Catholic teachings and basic principles of justice, and also led others to sin.
In our own time, what could be a more egregious “denial of the unity and solidarity of the human race” than abortion? Abortion kills a unique, irreplaceable human being growing in his or her mother’s womb. Everyone who advocates for abortion, in public or private life, who funds it or who presents it as a legitimate choice participates in a great moral evil.
Since the Roe decision, more than 60 million lives have been lost to abortion. Many millions more have been scarred by this experience, wounded victims whom society ignores.
Abortion is therefore the most pressing human rights challenge of our time. Can we pastors speak softly when the blood of 60 million innocent American children cries out for justice? When their mothers are condemned to silence, secretly suffering the injuries of the culture of “choice”?
Yes, we need to speak just as strongly for these mothers, and of our obligations to provide new and generous options for women facing crisis pregnancies. And Texas gets this right: The state is investing $100 million to help mothers by funding pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and maternity homes and providing free services including counseling, parenting help, diapers, formula and job training to mothers who want to keep their babies.
Opinion by Salvatore J. Cordileone, “Our duty to challenge Catholic politicians who support abortion rights.” The Washington Post, September 5, 2021 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/09/05/our-duty-challenge-catholic-politicians-who-support-abortion-rights/
Yes, we need to speak just as strongly for these mothers, and of our obligation to provide new and generous options for women facing crisis pregnancies. And Texas gets this right. (Archbishop Cordileone)
Pro-Life Pittsburgh gets this right too. Check out our free, confidential, expert, local resources that are available to people suffering with a crisis pregnancy.
10,000 Reasons | Celtic Worship featuring Steph Macleod
NOTES FROM SIDEWALK
JEN M. SHIFT MANAGER 7-9
Such a blessing to share the sidewalk with so many wonderful people this morning! Diane and Tom were nearly done setting up before Vince and I even arrived for the first shift. We were soon joined by Marie and Bill, then by Mary and Jim from Triumph of the Holy Cross parish. Next came Vince’s faithful brother Knights, David, Rich, and George. A kind man, one of many supportive passersby this morning, paused to pray with us and promised to stop every day. Finally, Ken and Pat and two more Triumph parishioners, Eileen and her daughter Therese, arrived to carry the vigil into the next shift. Thank you all for being there, and may God bless each of you!
Marie, Tom, Diane, Vince, early morning witnesses for life
Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish with Marie, a Friend, Jim, Mary, Vince, and Knights David, Rich, George
Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish with Eileen, Ken, Theresa, David, Rich, George, Pat standing, Marie and Jen kneeling!
KEN B. SHIFT MANAGER 9-11
Cloudy and chilly autumn temperatures today but the warmth of prayer won the day. I was able to join the previous shift manager Jen with shift buddy Vince in the Glorious mysteries of the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy along with members of the Knights of Columbus and Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish.
Eileen, Therese and Joanne were present along with Knights Dave, Rich, and George. Many thanks to Pat who has been my shift buddy for this campaign and covered for me last week while I was away on retreat. Joining us in the second hour were Mary Ellen and Kathy from Triumph.
Once again, we prayed for a few minutes with the faithful Rosary walkers who every Sunday for the past sixteen months have brought their Rosary of penance, reparation and petition to the streets of Pittsburgh. May Our Lord hear and answer their sacrificial prayers for our nation and our Church.
I would also ask prayers for homeless M. who often stops to talk and has many difficulties and struggles.
Triumph of the Holy Cross parishioners witness for life on our first chilly day!
Beautiful crowd of witnesses!
RICH and ROSEANN K. SHIFT MANAGERS 11-1
There was a fair amount of foot traffic today. We had mostly positive comments. Other than contending with the wind which blew over the supply table and the sandwich board, we had a prayerful peaceful shift. Thanks to volunteer Anthony who came to pray and witness with us.
Shift Manager Rich with Anthony
Lindsay M. SHIFT MANAGER 1-3
Today in front of 933 Liberty Avenue, while praying, I caught myself staring at a lady’s handbag as she passed by on the other side of the street. It was clear and you could see absolutely everything inside of it! I wondered what woman would want a purse like that. Then I realized she was going to the Steelers game and probably did so to speed up the security check process. But it got me thinking. While we all spend a lot of time picking out our clothing layers and doing our best to keep our bodies tan and fit, essentially, we are all clear satchels in the eyes of God. He can see everything inside; no secrets there! The Gates of Heaven on Judgment Day will be much like a security checkpoint at the Steelers game. Considering that, I’m going to work a lot harder on what I put inside my clear satchel, and what I remove from it through Confession and true contrition! One definite thing I’d like to place inside my clear satchel is more prayer time with the pro-life prayer warriors from Saints John and Paul, and Father Michael Roche. We prayed many decades of the Rosary together. One decade was led by our youngest prayer warrior, Cecilia, who did a fabulous job and was unshaken by some of the ugly comments made by passersby. Her stoicism gave me courage when the angriest man I’ve ever met entered into an unpleasant dialogue with me. Please pray for this man, whom I call Ares after the Greek god of Rage. Poor Ares is so full of rage and anger, not at us, but at himself. He went on and on and on about why he wishes he was dead, that no one cares, and even asked if I had a gun so I could shoot him. Explaining that we were there in front of the “Ares” of facilities, Planned Parenthood, because we love all life including HIS, did nothing to soothe him. So, please pray that the Peace and Love of Christ enters into Ares body, mind and soul.
Cecilia leading a decade of the Rosary with her mom.
Saints John and Paul Parishioners
Father Roche and shift buddy Marie, Holy Cross Parishioners
JOE W. SHIFT MANAGER 3-5
Quiet day with my friends in Christ. Jim and Cathy live such a wonderful example of love in the battle for life. I’m so grateful for their efforts and example. Michael prayed a Rosary / Chaplet, and shared his journey with me. Please pray for him.
All glory and praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ. Joe W
Michael shares his journey while praying with 40 Days for Life
The camera was fuzzy this evening. Jim and Cathy’s prayers go like an arrow … never fuzzy!
ANDY L. SHIFT MANAGER 5-7
Just a little bit of rain on a cloudy evening in Pittsburgh. We have the Rosary to keep us warm. The buddies were faithful as per usual. And the prayers are effective as always.
Denise, shift buddy with Steve, cheerfully witnessing for life with Pittsburgh 40 Days
And God saw that it was good.
___
Really, really, well written reflection, Barbara.
Thank you, Pat!
I look forward to being with you on the sidewalk again.
Peace,
Barbara