John,

As we enter Holy Week, we remember that the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ provide our Light at the end of the tunnel.

There is great opportunity to use these days, hand them to Jesus Christ, and draw closer to Him. I discuss that as Timothy Joseph rejoins the video blog as co-host:

To watch, click the image or visit:

https://youtu.be/FH_yHfu41W8

To further prepare our hearts for the week that changed the world, we have a guest post from 40 Days for Life Chaplain and Board Member Fr. Paul Felix.

During this time of such great disruption and uncertainty in the face of pandemic, we can easily become distracted and overcome by all the troubling events going on around us. We can also feel so helpless and frustrated.

I think it is worth considering that the devil--who is a liar, in fact, he is “the father of lies” and “a murderer” (John 8:44)--is very skilled in utilizing diversionary tactics to create distractions and to foment panicky fear and desperation (hopelessness). And while he has us looking the other way, he is causing other harm in the background behind the scenes. The circumstances we are facing can seem so bleak.

We look around and see a global pandemic. People are concerned about their families, near and far. Employment and business prospects for the future are uncertain. We are concerned about all the financial fallout caused by this vast disruption. Even our 40 Days for Life campaigns have been disrupted.

Let us not be discouraged! Let us turn toward the Light of Jesus Christ so that we can rediscover our sense of awe and wonder at what God has done for us in the past, confidence in what He is doing now, and what He has in store for the future.

In these troubled times, let us remember that God understands the restrictions placed on us and the distress we may be feeling right now--He foreknew it! We are the instruments in His hands. Serve His holy and salvific will and let God be God!

And yet there are no restrictions on our minds, our hearts and our souls. Let us behold “the Pierced One” (Zechariah 12:10), Jesus Christ, who submitted Himself with a Son’s trust like a “Lamb led to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7).

On Passion Sunday as we enter into Holy Week, which contains the three days traditionally known as the triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday), whether we are able to gather in large assemblies or are restricted to our homes with video and live-streamed worship services and liturgies, please remember that no one can prevent us from entering into the mysteries of our Lord’s Passion and Death that inevitably lead us to the Resurrection. This is THE story of redemption. Jesus freely took this upon Himself to show us that God never abandons His people. God does not abandon us--the family of 40 Days for Life--nor does He abandon the child in the womb, the mother and the father, the abortionist, or anyone else. He offers us the opportunity to freely enter the mystery of salvation with clarity of purpose and intentionality. We are called to express that Lamb-like trusting faith. Though we can’t see it, our Lord knows the good that He will bring about through the faithful and devout prayers, fasting, and generous sacrifices being offered up by His faithful 40 Days for Life family.

Jesus Christ is Victor over sin and death. Let us continue our spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Let us put all our trust in Him!

West Covina, California

While the world is shut down, most communities still allow and encourage people to go outside to get some fresh air and exercise (provided they practice proper social distancing).

West Covina 40 Days for Life leader Yvonne decided to take a prayer walk--and to bring her 40 Days for Life sign with her.

"It was awesome," Yvonne said. "We got one honk with a thumbs up, another thumbs up, and a lot of stares."

Since 40 Days for Life vigils have been suspended, Yvonne hopes her simple act of witnessing while she walked encouraged a mother in crisis to choose life.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

— Revelation 21:4-5

Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life