The Fellowship of Suffering…. No one wants it…but it is unavoidable. The question is how to deal with it. We can run from it, distract ourselves from it, avoid it at all costs…or accept it. If it is a beloved family member, of course, we will share in that suffering. I think that one of the reasons that praying in front of an abortion clinic is so difficult for most people is that it seems pointless. The babies die whether or not we are there praying, so why bother? The epistle reading from yesterday was from Philippians 3: The whole passage is beautiful, but the phrase that struck me was verse 10, which says:.
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death…. I think that is why we pray in front of abortion clinics.
It is not fun or enjoyable…most of the time. Sure, we can enjoy Christian fellowship and comradery…and of course we rejoice when we witness the miracle of a life saved. But, for the most part, it involves a bit of suffering, and a bit of loss. But when we do it out of love, our relationship with Christ is strengthened and deepened. Last night, Bishop Zubik offered a Mass at St. Paul Cathedral in reparation for the sins committed against the sanctity and dignity of human life.
And thanks to all who prayed and witnessed on the sidewalk today…who know the importance of the fellowship of suffering. This morning as we prayed for all those who would be coming to PP today, I was reflecting on the Mass with Bishop Zubik last night.
I was so impressed to see so many students especially males. Bishop Waltersheid was the homilist. Blessed by the Holy Spirit, his homily was a moment in time of sheer inspiration! If those men were listening with open hearts, the Holy Spirit would have given them such insight into the sanctity of life and especially the unborn, they will never be the same!
