Lent is fast upon us

Yesterday I went to 320 for my first Saturday of prayer on behalf of the children in the womb, their mothers and families, and all those who will influence the outcome of what happens to their precious young lives.

I contemplated anew the moment when Jesus meets his mother on the via dolorosa.

Jesus, more than any other human being, identifies with the children aborted every week in Grand Rapids. He knows each one of them intimately, for he fashioned each one of them in the womb; he knows what it's like to suffer at the hands of those who find your life an encumbrance to their plans; he knows what it's like to die despised, to bleed without solace, to be discarded by those you have come into the world to love.

What will it be like when those children, crucified in the womb, meet their mothers? We pray that such a meeting in heaven will be possible. We pray that the Lord wash over these women His love and mercy. We pray that they may heal from the wound their choices made. We pray that they may embrace their child with love, with tender hearts, with love of Jesus written in their hearts eternally.

We, more than many other human beings, can stand in union with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Like her, we watch this endless series of crucifixions, limited but not powerless to change the outcome. We stand in prayer, sorrowful, hopeful, maternal prayer, knowing that with God all things are possible.

Please stand with us each Saturday in Lent, as we join cities across this nation, praying and fasting for an end to abortion at 320 E. Fulton, and in every place that God has prepared for Life to thrive and dwell with Him forever.