Cries of Joy!
When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we thought we were dreaming.
Then our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were!
Restore our captives, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.
Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.
Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed,
Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.
Psalm 126:1-6
Thank you to Nikki and Tracy for writing such hopeful and uplifting reflections about the end of Planned Parenthood this week! One of the most beautiful things about hope is that it’s contagious, so when I saw the psalm above from today’s Scripture readings for Mass, talking about the “pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming” feeling of the Israelites when God released them from bitter captivity, my imagination was sparked. For a moment, I tasted our future joy when the “FOR SALE” sign is nailed to the front of 933 Liberty Avenue.
Can you remember how you felt in June of 2022 when you heard that Roe v. Wade had finally been overturned? I have such a vivid memory of exactly where I was when the news broke and the waves of shock, relief, and elation crashed over me. We all long for the day when we hear that Planned Parenthood is permanently out of business and feel that same kind of exhilaration!
Right now, we are sowing in tears, watching so many babies losing their lives. Right now, we are going forth weeping while carrying sacks of seed (and signs and literature and blessing bags and fetal models.) But we will return with cries of joy when PP is finally stopped from preying on the vulnerable and all our attention can be focused on the needs of the women and children who would have been its victims!
-Jen
SIDEWALK REPORTS
7:30-9 AM +++ Jen and Vince
JEN: Vince, Rich, George, and I had a peaceful morning, although there was one very strange incident as we prayed. A man with mud smeared across his face set a wooden crate down in front of PP’s door, opened the lid, and took out a flower. He then spun in a slow circle as he pointed the flower at each of us, and finished by laying it on the sidewalk. He repeated the act two or three times before quietly picking up the crate and moving on. I was very comforted by the fact that Vince always prays for protection from any evil forces that would try to come against us while we are there. Please pray for him…he seemed so sad.
9-11 AM +++ Ken and Pat
KEN: Just Pat and I for this cold and wet Sunday. But we were joined briefly by the Sunday Rosary walk faithful who brave all sorts of weather to call down grace on our life saving work. Our God is good and merciful and I know that our sacrifice and prayer is heard and many have received the benefits of our efforts. May His love shower down on all who arrive at these doors and may they turn away from this tragedy and embrace a life of faith and love.
11 AM-1 PM +++ Roseann and Rich
ROSEANN: Just the two of us and a quiet 2 hours on Liberty Ave.today. No negativity today, only positive comments. Thank you St. Michael for keeping watch over us.
1-3 PM +++ Andrew, Ann, and Sue
3-5 PM +++ Andy, Denise, and Steve
Coming soon!
Thank you for this beautiful and Hope filled reflection, Jen! And I am praying for that poor man, whatever the issue was.