You Will Receive More Than You Give
Let’s be frank. We are approaching the end of this 40Days campaign and more than a few of us are worn out. It’s time for a little pep talk. I’m pulling out the pom-poms! This one’s for YOU!
When Christ, grateful for the lending of her veil, handed it back to Veronica, she probably clutched it close to her heart, retreated back into the crowd, and watched sadly as He continued on His way to Calvary. She had been inspired to bring aid, if only temporarily, to Our Dear Lord, never expecting to find He’d given her a gift of love, as well. Can you imagine the absolute awe and wonder which struck her when, perhaps later, she discovered that the image of His Sacred Countenance was imprinted on her veil?! What an incredible and miraculous blessing!
We must continue to do what our hearts urge us to do out on Liberty Avenue – show up, pray, plead, speak truth, and offer support. Do it for the One who died for all! Not for this reason alone, but we do know that He’ll NEVER be outdone in generosity!
MT 5:12 “Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in Heaven…”
Tracy
Keep reading to read about the generous souls that were on the sidewalk today…
7:30-9:00 – Joe K & David P
We were blessed to be joined by a large contingent from Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, led by Fr. Joe and their seminarian. TotHC came early and blazed through a number sets of Mysteries during their entire stay – prayer warriors for life on a mission. 933 opened their den of soul destruction early. Too many “employees” and “volunteers.” Lots of mostly single women entering this den of lies, though 1 mom / daughter pair also went in. Sadly, neither took up the offers of loved-based info, help, and hope. Not much interaction with passersby though one refused info and spat in our general direction. The shift ended as the TotHC transitioned their vigil to the 2nd shift…
9:00-11:00 – Sue D.
It was a busy morning. Lots of escorts, lots of women going in. Joe stayed a while from the previous shift with Steve and I. So great to see Fr. Luisi and his church there. They prayed the whole time. A sidewalk advocate Susan, who I hadn’t met, was very joyful and did a great job reaching out to people. Priest brothers from St.. Vincent’s showed up to pray near the close of our shift…Chris and Dean took over.
11:00-1:00 – Dean & Chris D
Members of St. Vincent’s Seminary of Latrobe, who were there praying and singing in Latin when I arrived.
A young man who wanted to engage Chris in a lengthy philosophical debate. Later he tried arguing with Glynn, the P.P. security guard, about the legality of the yellow boundary line.
When I arrived a group of young men from St. Vincent’s Seminary in Latrobe were gathered at P.P., praying and singing in Latin. Their voices provided a distinct calming contrast to the background traffic noise.
A woman was telling anyone who would listen about her sad childhood and her parents, who didn’t love her. She said that her parents should be executed. She moved on fairly quickly.
Continuing in that vein of rejection were those entering P.P., as they refused any of our support material.
1:00-3:00 – Kathy K & Fran
Deacon Joe and Nadine from St. Joseph the Worker, Sidewalk Advocate Kathy and Laura
Fran and I started shift then we were quickly joined by Nadine. Deacon Joe came and quietly prayed a rosary.
A cys worker stopped, she identified herself as “anti abortion”, then stated the babies that are saved will end up in foster system then prison: she listened to hope of pregnancy center, emotional support for mom, hope in helping one person at a time, hope in Jesus. She dismissed each of these and went back to foster system and cruelty. She was very fearful, talked about personal abuse and assault. We prayed for her.
One woman. Took brochure but still went in. A lady coming out dropped brown bag as she stood up, she took brochure with help for future.
A woman tried to kick sign over near models then tried on other side missing both times. Red was watching and ready. His kind presence is reassuring.
3:00-5:00 – Jeff & Billy
Today started off real quiet. A couple moments later a woman came over let us know it was her birthday and she sang Lord I lift your name on high and another song. As she left a woman walked by and said God bless you guys. A strange situation happened where two men bright hot pink vests and a young woman came up. The women politely asked me to take a picture of her QR code to tell me to tell my friends to go vote (which I believe we are) but the sign was for a Planned Parenthood group. I saw a guy earlier with the same sign when I came down. Then a homeless guy really liked the sign I was wearing and he struck up a long conversation. Today was an adventure.