I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the founders of 40 Days for Life were inspired to hold one of each year’s campaigns during the holy season of Lent. The Scripture readings we hear during the first week really resonate with the 40 DFL mission. It’s tough to get motivated to take on another campaign, but the Word of God can energize us! Let’s look at just a few passages…
I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live… DEUTERONOMY 30:19
Our generous God is actually “pro-choice” in the literal sense of the term. He does not impose Himself or His will on us. He has given us the freedom to CHOOSE whether or not to follow His commandments. But our choices have very serious and eternal consequences. Choosing abortion not only leads to an earthly life of sorrow, but can separate us from God for all eternity. We need to be out on the sidewalk encouraging people to CHOOSE LIFE!
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. LUKE 9:23
No one ever said it was easy to go to a 40 Days for Life vigil. Most often, it involves some physical and mental discomfort, not to mention inconvenience. But denying our own comfort for the good of others is exactly what our Lord asks of us. We are following His own example when we make that sacrifice (although His cross was infinitely heavier than ours.)
Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart… JOEL 2:12
This passage always hits me hard. EVEN now…after all we’ve done…even if we’ve been involved with an abortion…even if we’ve been too wrapped up in our own lives to care about a desperate mother who thinks her only option is to end the life of her unborn child…God still longs to welcome us back to full friendship with Him. May each of us return to the Lord with our whole heart this Lent and spend the 40 Days for Life campaign following His example of loving sacrifice for others by going to the vigil and encouraging people to CHOOSE LIFE!
SIDEWALK REPORTS
7-9 AM: Jen and Vince
JEN: So blessed to spend a cold but peaceful morning praying with Vince, Dave, Rich and George. These faithful Knights of Columbus serve faithfully every Sunday morning!
9-11 AM: Ken and Pat
KEN: A quiet Sunday on Liberty Avenue today with few comments or interactions with pedestrians. Mostly just Pat and I praying and witnessing for life. We did have a homeless couple stop, very excited to announce that they are expecting, asking for resources. We were able to give them information for support agencies from our literature file. Another bright spot, and always a sign of hope on the sidewalk, is the rosary walkers stopping to pray with us.
11 AM-1 PM: Rich and Roseann
Just the two of us today. It was very quiet, no negativity expressed today which is very nice. A man came by today and asked if we take donations and I said yes. He gave us a small donation.
1-3 PM: Andrew, Ann and Sue
ANDREW: Quiet, breezy day. A few thumbs up. A couple stopped and asked some questions about our presence. The woman was wearing a 40 Days for Life jacket, but they didn’t seem familiar with our local vigil. Maybe they were just passing through Pittsburgh.
3-5 PM: Andy, Steve and Denise
A beautiful day with an extra hour of daylight. Four rosaries and only one irate passer by. A good day!