Replies

Devotional for Day 8, October 2, 2013

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

Intention:

May the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan fill the hearts and minds of all our citizens.

Scripture:

Jesus said: “A man was going down

from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell

into the hands of robbers. They

stripped him of his clothes, beat him

and went away, leaving him half dead.

“A priest happened to be going down

the same road, and when he saw the

man, he passed by on the other side.

“So, too, a Levite, when he came to the

place and saw him, passed by on the

other side.

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came

where the man was; and when he saw

him, he took pity on him. He went to

him and bandaged his wounds, pouring

on oil and wine. Then he put the man

on his own donkey, took him to an inn

and took care of him. The next day he

took out two silver coins and gave them

to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he

said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse

you for any extra expense you

may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was

a neighbor to the man who fell into the

hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one

who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him,

“Go and do likewise.”

—Luke 10:30-37

Reflection:

Here Jesus commands us to show mercy to the victims of the culture of violence and death. But why did the priest and Levite fail to show mercy? Perhaps they feared that the robbers were hiding just around the next corner to attack them. They asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” The Samaritan, however, reversed the question, and asked, “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” In working to save the unborn, let’s not worry about what will happen to us if we act; let’s worry about what will happen to the unborn if we don’t.

Prayer:

Father, we are moved by the lesson of

the Good Samaritan, who allowed

compassion to influence him more than

fear. Give us the same heart. Grant that

we may never count the cost of standing

up and speaking out for the unborn.

We pray through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DAY 8: One week, two California trips

October 2nd, 2013 by admin

Last week, I started off with campaign rallies in California on Sunday … and then spoke at events in Texas and Pittsburgh before heading back to California for another kickoff event and a march this past Saturday. Here’s a quick look at my second California visit of the week.

—————————————————–
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
—————————————————–

Why two trips to California? Well, it’s not only a big state … it’s a big state for 40 Days for Life as well. There are 38 California campaigns going on right now – more than any other US state.

I visited the 40 Days for Life vigil site in San Luis Obispo … and took part in a march to Planned Parenthood led by Bishop Richard Garcia of the Catholic diocese of Monterey.

Bishop Garcia led the people in prayer and asked God’s blessing over those who gathered – and over Planned Parenthood as well.

—————————————————–
FLINT, MICHIGAN
—————————————————–

In many of the communities where 40 Days for Life vigils are held, people aren’t aware that there’s an abortion facility in their neighborhood. That’s the case in Flint.

“The clinic is only labeled with an address,” said Tina. “That’s why many do not know about it. Our peaceful witness during the vigil is helping change that.” People who’ve driven by and seen volunteers praying have now signed up to be part of 40 Days for Life.

The abortion center is so well hidden that even a local pastor who lives right down the road had no idea it was there until he was invited to lead prayer at the vigil.

“We are required to stand across a parking lot and cannot get any closer to the clinic,” Tina said. But in the past year, they have still had five mothers that they know of choose life at this clinic – including one with twins.