As we prepare to launch the fall 40 Days for Life campaign in front of Planned Parenthood in Pittsburgh, (which we are dedicating to the memory and legacy of Charlie Kirk), our national leader, Shawn Carney, is calling for a national day of fasting for peace on Wednesday, September 17th (tomorrow). I am planning to fast tomorrow…(allowing myself a small meal at 7:00pm), and I hope that many of our 40 Days for Life family will join me. I am so glad that our 40 Days for Life national leaders are calling for this fast. This is the appropriate response to the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s murder and martyrdom.
Yesterday was the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows…the day when we remember the seven sorrows of Mary, but especially the sorrow that she experienced at the foot of the cross, watching helplessly as her Son died. I prayed that God would grant Erika Kirk that same strength to endure, as Mary endured. I also thought that, as Jesus told us, “Unless a grain of wheat dies, it remains only a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (John 12) I also thought about the first of Mary’s sorrows…when she was told by Simeon of the future suffering and death of Jesus, and that a sword will pierce her own soul, so that the thoughts of many might be revealed. (Luke 2)
With these two thoughts in mind, I think we can see that God is using the tragic death of Charlie Kirk to bring about much fruit. More people (including myself) are watching his videos, and his message of the Truth of Jesus Christ and the sanctity of marriage and life is being proclaimed far and wide…much farther than if he had not been martyred. I wonder if his death will even be as significant as the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. It may be.
I also think we are seeing that this tragedy, which pierced the heart of Erika Kirk…is also being used to reveal the thoughts of many. It is causing more division. There are those who are angry at the honor that is being given to Charlie Kirk, because they do not agree with his political views. They are blinded to the truth of his gentleness, compassion and selflessness. Because of their anger and bitterness, they see only a “radical right winger” who “had it coming”. They can’t see the absolute tragedy of a young widow and two small children who will never see their husband and father again in this life.
So, what does this mean for our fall 40 Days for Life campaign…which kicks off next Tuesday? Well, I think it means we…who are on Jesus’ side…need to willingly suffer more during these 40 days. After all, when we see a loved one suffering, it is natural for us to want to take their place…or at least to suffer WITH them! Today’s communion antiphon (from Luke 22) says: “It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, says the Lord, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.”
Jesus suffers with each abortion. He watches as His own precious child is destroyed before its first breath. It breaks His heart. However, we have the opportunity to suffer with Him during these 40 days. Let’s begin by fasting tomorrow. When we feel the hunger pangs, we will remember to pray for Erika and her children, for peace in our nation, for an end to abortion and for Christian revival in our nation. We also have the opportunity to extend this fast throughout the 40 days, as part of our 40-day fast. The goal is to have 3 people per day fasting, every day during the 40 days. SIGN UP HERE.
Lastly, we have the opportunity to be a voice…like Charlie’s. We can use our voice, and our precious gift of free speech, to witness to the sanctity of human life, in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic that treats precious unborn human life as medical waste. We can use our voice to speak truth to those in darkness, to bring about conversion and change of hearts. Even if we keep silent while we are at the vigil, our peaceful witness can speak more loudly than words, and lives can be saved.
There are many shifts that are still un-filled that need your help! Contact Nikki at 412-926-9413 if you can take a weekly shift between September 24th and November 2nd. Here are the shifts that urgently need someone to fill them:
Wednesdays from 9am-noon
Fridays from 11am till 3pm
Saturdays from 11am – 1pm
Sundays from 11am – 2pm
As part of my determination to offer greater suffering during these 40 days, I have marked off my calendar to do (in addition to my regular Thursday shift), all the Wednesday and Friday shifts, (if no one else takes them)…and the Saturday afternoon shift if necessary. I cannot help on Sundays, as that is the day I care for my dad all day. I hope and pray that we do not have to cancel our vigil on Sunday afternoons, and I hope that others are inspired to take on some voluntary suffering, and do a weekly shift…or add a second shift.
If you can help with some of these empty shifts, please contact either me or Jen at nbruni@40daysforlifepgh.com, or pghsaland365@gmail.com, or sign yourself up at 40 Days for Life
If you haven’t yet signed our Statement of Peace, do so here: 40 Days for Life
Hope to see you at next Tuesday’s Kick off event! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
God bless you!
nikki