God’s Perspective…
As we view the masterpiece of Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chaple Frescos, it’s difficult to see all of the challenges the artist overcame to produce this magnificent work of art. He worked with the architects to create a trolley system that allowed him to paint, laying on his back, while suspended far above the floor, where viewers would be positioned. He had to apply the paint at the appropriate time, so that the plaster would absorb the full color of the pigment and preserve it virtually forever. The artist even created a special visor that included a candle holder, so that he could work all night, completing a scene, before the plaster cured and repelled the paint. But the most difficult challenge was perspective. When viewing a two-dimensional image of the frescoes, it’s not apparent that the surface of the frescoes was curved from the wall to the ceiling, and yet, when viewed from the floor, there is no distortion from the curve, and the images have a completely natural perspective. From 1984 to 1990, artisans who participated in the restoration of the Sistine Chapel debated how Michaelangelo maintained this perspective, but they never arrived at a consensus. However, most agreed that it was the hand of God that provided this natural perspective depicting the creation of man.
As we take our turns on the sidewalk, I’m often confounded by multiple perspectives at play. How do the women approaching Planned Parenthood for their abortion see us? What curves in their lives produce distorted perspectives about the life that stirs in their womb? How do the staff and abortionists see us? Today, say a prayer that the hand of God restores the natural perspective of life in the womb, making abortion unthinkable.
Larry
Keep reading to find out what happened today at the vigil!
Bill H & Tracy
BRRRRR! It was chilly this morning! Shawn and Beth, fellow parishioners from St. Peter’s in Steubenville, OH, came into the city with me today. Bill and I were thankful for their presence, otherwise it would’ve been just us this AM. There was a steady stream of clients on our watch. Five couples went into PP during the shift. I considered it a success that at least one couple took one of my helpful pamphlets. I always tell them, “You know you’re going to be sitting around scrolling on your phone…”
Beth & Linda W
Thanks to everyone on the early shift who set up the supplies so well. The wind buffered the signs but everything stayed in place. Lots of construction next door . Quite a few customers at PP. Lots [f praying on a cold sidewalk. Linda and I welcomed the next shift of helpers, David, Ann and Fr. Dan, as the sun came out .
Sheila & Barb K
There was a fair amount of traffic into the “clinic.”
One couple exited and I commented on the ultrasound picture that she was carrying and congratulated them. I said, “I hope you’re choosing to keep your baby.” The young man responded, “Yeah.” They walked off, not wanting to engage or take any resources. So let’s pray that they stand firm in their decision.
There were a lot of convention goers passing by, a very negative and angry bunch, I might add. They seem to think abortion is “health care,” and couldn’t believe we would have the nerve to be there promoting life.
A couple of women exited and said they weren’t there for an abortion but to apply to work as security guards. After informing them about the number of abortions performed there annually and that abortion is legal for up to 24 weeks, they were very turned off! Hopefully they’ll seek employment elsewhere! Sheila
Sandy, Kim & Mike C.
(From Kim) – It was me, Mike and Sandy. It felt cold and a little lonely after the large group from St Agnes left. I thought on the flip side it would be peaceful for prayer so Mike and I prayed the whole time while Sandy was reaching out to people entering PP. There were a lot of people entering and very few took information and none really wanted to speak with her. I heard from passerby’s that we were evil, shame on us and of course vulgarities. Not much positive. I felt falsely judged, rejected and discouraged but said nothing in return. I was very sad but at the same time felt close to Jesus, who was falsely accused, cursed and ridiculed. The wisdom of this world is foolishness says Paul. And so it’s a blessing to be called fools for Christ. Sometimes it feels like we are wasting our time in front of PP. But that is the foolishness of this world speaking. So I ignore those voices in my head and continue to pray, trusting the Father who hears our prayers. He is God and I am not. He chooses to use are prayers- the Blessed Mother begs us to pray! So I have to believe that I’m not wasting my time- failing. So even though today was a hard day for me, that is the cross that makes prayer that much more powerful. Sticking it out when it is cold and hard is foolish according to this world, but a powerful sacrifice that wins the spiritual battle. Toward the end of the shift a woman in a car rolled down her window and asked us what we were doing there – all because of someone trying to sign up Sandy for voter registration. Sandy was able to explain what abortion does, fetal development, gave her a brochure and fetal model. The woman later rolled down her window again and asked if she might have another fetal model for her daughter, which we provided. Later a young woman who had been in PP with her friend? got in the car. At the end of our shift the woman was still waiting in the car, we believe for the other woman. Hoping those seeds we planted bear fruit.
God bless all our 40 DFL family!
Virginia & Bill E
Over a dozen women leaving today. Very sad. A grandma took an abortion reversal card today. Cold and windy. Pray to the guardian angels tonight to protect all of the children in danger. Angel of God….
John
Hard to read these sad accounts of today both of the cold weather and the cold hearts of some people. God bless the witnesses who provided God’s warmth of love in this place devoid of caring. May your efforts today bear good fruit. Thank you.