As many know, here in New York we have Vigils for Life where we meet at a Church for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and then we process to an abortion clinic. First Saturdays are NYC's Margaret Sanger Clinic, second Saturdays are the Planned Parenthood in Brooklyn.
For the past couple of months the Brooklyn vigil has been met with opposition from the group, NYC for Abortion Rights. Last month they blocked our way so that it took us 2 hours to walk 7 blocks.
All the while we are praying the rosary not engaging in any in any talk, or responding to anything they say, just praying.
Last month it really hit me that those from this pro abortion group really do not know the truth about abortion. It made me really reflect on how this generation has been so brain washed , and I have no doubt that many, if not all of the women that were there probably have had abortions themselves. It was so obvious from what they were chanting that they are not knowledgeable, and also very sad.
The desperation reflected in the rationalization and justification are not strange to me having been working in helping people heal from abortion for almost 30 years. Their behavior is classic and although they do not know it, a cry to be heard and healed. I have, since last month been praying for them every day, that somehow their hearts will be softened and opened to the truth. That they will find peace and healing.
I went to the NYC for Abortion Rights page today and saw two thing that really struck me. The presumptions of this first sign (anti- black gay, women etc) are so obvious and fit in to the narrative of today but are so far from truth.
But the sign that struck me the most, was the one advertising the counter protest this coming Saturday. It speaks volumes to the feelings that are inside of them and the projection of those feelings onto those of us who try to help women by offering alternatives to abortion.
"We celebrate abortion and refuse shame"
Try as they might, the shame will not go away. Oh, they may calm it for a while, especially when they are with those who are like minded, but, in the darkness of the night, in those hidden moments of loneliness and self reflection that appear whether you want them to or not, the nature of a mother, one who loves and protects, takes hold and you are left there looking at what has happened. Inside you know. You always know. You may not admit it for decades, but it is always there.
We are not there to shame them. They are shaming themselves. We are there to offer hope and healing if they are suffering. We are there to tell them some of us have been there, and they do not have to live their lives in anger and hate. They do not have to suffer, they can have peace again in that lonely place where it evades them.
This Saturday happens to be the feast of St Maximillian Kolbe who laid down his life for another. St Maximillian reminds us all "Don't ever forget to Love", even those who persecute us. May each of us this coming Saturday echo his words in out hearts.
