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ADVOCACY AND JUSTICE

‘Signs’ of Love

DEBORAH STAFFORD SHEARER | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 06.06.08

Signs are used to warn, inform, enlighten and sometimes even empower the observer to become more aware and possibly change behavior. The appropriate use of signs usually depends on their context. During a Helpers of God’s Precious Infants rosary procession, where the objective is to be a loving and prayerful presence at what is the modern Calvary, images become distractions. This model of witnessing God’s love for the mother, child and staff inside the abortion center is following Christ’s own example of prayer and fasting, which are the first and most effective weapons against violence and evil.

This pilgrimage of prayer centers on bearing witness to the profound love that Christ has for every individual and offers an opportunity for conversion of hearts and minds. Through this witness of love, participants offer the women in crisis, men and staff of the abortion center a visible sign of the unconditional and compassionate relationship that is available to them.

Graphic images and signs have a great value as a way of confronting those who are blind to the horrific nature of abortion, but they may not always be an effective or “prudent” tool for reaching the hearts of those who are conflicted and in crisis. Archbishop Joseph Naumann from Kansas City, Kan., has raised this same concern in how we present our life-affirming message, when he states that “many … recoil and become angry not at the destruction of human life, but at those who have showed them these harsh and disturbing images.” When overwhelmed by the truth, we may, unintentionally, create the opposite effect.

Signs of our love and concern for those in the midst of the abortion experience can only be expressed as a gift of grace through the Spirit, and as an act of mercy and peace toward the victims. Uniting ourselves with the unborn and their parents, we stand in solidarity at the foot of the cross with the Lord of Life. We bear witness to the love of Christ for the entire human family in a spiritual embrace of reparation, armed only with our prayers and ourselves. No sign could capture that message.

Stafford Shearer is the director of the Diocese of Orlando’s Office of Advocacy and Justice.

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