I’m sure many of you had the same reaction I had when I learned the campaign to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri constitution had submitted more than double the required number of signatures to move forward with the next step of the ballot initiative. It certainly was not a joyful moment.
I found myself entering a rat hole reflecting on the extreme measures the campaign went to in order to gain signatures: meeting strangers on the side walk, striking up a conversation, and developing just enough of a relationship to get a signature…while realizing I had done none of that. I had to remind myself that this moment is not a moment to waste on weeping and mourning of the current circumstance, but rather a moment of seeking to prepare for the next conflict between the Culture of Life and the Culture of Death.
I had to take stock of the situation by reminding myself that our recourse to this surely is not in Jefferson City and Washington DC, but ultimately in the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart.
That caused me to reflect on my spiritual life. I assessed the level of prayer I am currently at, and challenging myself to increase it all the more. Can I pray more rosaries with the intention of the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart. Can I go to Mass more often, potentially everyday, with the intention to defeat this amendment proposition on our hearts to be lifted up to the Lord. Can I fast more. Jesus said some demons can only be cast out with prayer and fasting. I know there are several methods of fasting out there. I just need to find one that works for me and then fast diligently, fast intentionally, and fast frequently for the intention to defeat this amendment proposition.
Ultimately, this war ultimately will not be won in Jefferson City or Washington DC. This war will only be won on the battlefield of the heart. To win the battle, it seems to me that we can take a lesson from the signature campaign. It seems to me it is time for us to cross the battle line. It is time that we cross into the enemy territory of the Culture of Death to befriend those who have beliefs that not align with our beliefs…to befriend those who proclaim the culture of death in its various forms under the guise of personal freedom.
It is time that we reach out to our “political enemies”…not to judge them and not to proselytize to them…but rather, just to be with them. That doesn’t mean we need to affirm their beliefs. It just means we should avoid actions or statements that may alienate them or push them further from the Truth. It means to just be a friend. Spend time with them, let them get to know us, let them discover that we are not the “evil people” the media and special interest groups try to convince them to believe, and ultimately we gain their trust.
As we gain their trust and they begin to open up to us, we will have an opportunity to lead them to an authentic encounter with the Truth...we will have opportunity to lead them to an authentic encounter with the Love of Christ.
Ironically, as it relates to this war between the Culture of Life and the Culture of Death, Love is our weapon of mass destruction.
This battle isn't about secular politics. This battle is a rescue mission to save souls for our King Jesus Christ and our Queen Mary. We are the knights on battle field. We are the special forces, if you will, that have been entrusted with this critical and delicate mission. The time for action is now. Carry on Christian soldier and spread the joy of the Gospel.
