April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
REFLECTION
A small price to pay for saving lives
The couple said that because of the group's presence, they had decided not to have an abortion. A life was spared because pro-life people simply showed up where the killing takes place!
This was one of the fruits of "40 Days for Life," a recent national campaign that self-reported having saved 532 lives across America. It had local impact because scores of Catholics and other Christians, came out to pray, fast and hold pro-life signs.
The goal of "40 Days" was to have 12-hour coverage at local abortion sites for seven days. While that didn't happen, there was nevertheless a very strong presence for most days.
Some people came out for the first time, emboldened to do so because they knew they would not be alone. Having never done this before, one retired couple came out almost every day whether snow, rain or shine! They want to be "regulars" now.
My wife, Maeve, and I have sidewalk-prayed for years and participated in "40 Days." For us, it's always a life-affirming and gratifying experience. Some people scowl at us or utter epithets as they drive by - a very small price to pay when there is a prospect of saving lives. We encourage parents to choose life by using our greatest weapon: prayers offered in love.
As mandated by the national organizers of the "40 Days" campaign, we didn't use signs that show the graphic results of an abortion, or which use language that could serve to harden the hearts of those whom we want to help.
The signs that Maeve and I use follow these guidelines: One says, "Blessed is the fruit of your womb - Luke 1:42;" the other reads, "Women Do Regret Abortion." Others carried signs of their own design, depicting parents holding their children.
Thousands of cars drive by every day in front of Planned Parenthood. Signs that carry God's Word and pro-life images have the power to change hearts. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "My word never returns to me empty, but accomplishes my will" (Is 55:11).
During "40 Days," the federal government passed healthcare reform that mandated tax-funded abortions. An executive order was signed by the president that supposedly will ensure the opposite, but it doesn't carry the lasting power of the statutes.
Before this happened, our Church was divided. Some endorsed the reform, while bishops opposed it on the grounds that its language would expand abortion in our nation. When House speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Catholic nuns approved the legislation, some wavering pro-life Democrats seized on this as an excuse to vote "yes."
Thus, it appears that the "mirage" of a parallel magisterium helped pass a law that will spill innocent blood at the people's expense.
Our challenge is now greater than ever. The "40 Days for Life" campaign has ended for now; however, Viviane Strain of Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville, whose efforts brought the campaign to our Diocese, notes that beginning April 13, there will be two regular prayer times outside of the Schenectady Planned Parenthood site: Tuesdays from 9-10 a.m. and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m.
These are not the only times that people can participate. Anyone can come out to their local Planned Parenthood at various times - but don't do it alone. Come out with a friend or two, create or buy a pro-life sign and pray hard.
You may even see the results of your intercession. The small price you pay may help someone choose life!
(Glenn Smith lives in Rotterdam and attends Holy Family parish in Albany. For a previous story on "40 Days for Life," go to www.evangelist.org; for more information on the continuing prayer vigils, call Viviane Strain, 384-0699.)
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