40 Days for Life is a community-based
campaign that takes a determined, peaceful approach to show the consequences of
abortion in our own neighborhoods, our own friends and families, by drawing
attention to the evils of abortion through:
prayer/fasting, constant vigil and community outreach. The mission:
to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life.
The campaign tracks Biblical history where God used 40-day periods to transform
individuals, communities, the entire world.
From Noah in the flood, to Moses on the mountain, to the disciples after
Christ’s resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of
His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.
When people think of the abortion issue,
they think of confrontation, and we must change that. Instead of confrontation,
seek conversation—and ultimately conversion. The pro-life message is one of
hope and love. We are called to share that message and present it in a spirit
of peace. As Christians, we turn to
Christ as our model. The Gospel stories of the woman caught in adultery (Jn. 8)
and the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn. 4) are just two examples of how Christ
demonstrated love and compassion towards those he encountered. He did not back
away from proclaiming the truth, but he was not harsh or hateful in presenting
it. We are called to imitate Christ; to allow God to work through us to touch
the hearts of those around us – to be the instruments through which He can
spread His message – of love, not hate.
To do what is right and just is more
acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. -- Proverbs 21:3
Reflection: Living a life of integrity is costly. But at the end of the day, there is great
satisfaction in the knowledge that we have done our best no matter what the
cost. In the words of Dietrich
Bonhoeffer, there are no cheap graces. [Day
by Day with St. Joseph] “...Silence
in the face of evil is evil itself. God
will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak
is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
Prayer:
St. Joseph help me
to be a person of integrity no matter what the cost.
