the vigil site -- the Pre-Term Foundation, the oldest
abortion facility in Sydney. An estimated 400 people
took part, including Bishop Terry Brady of the Catholic
archdiocese.
"As in previous years, the procession saw its fair
share of hecklers," reports one of the local team
leaders. "One lady began screaming and writing on the
ground with chalk in front of the facility, until a
sudden downpour of rain stopped her mid-sentence."
"This Lent, we are going to Calvary, to take love where
there is no love, where innocence is crucified," said
local coordinator Paul Hanrahan.
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SCRIPTURE
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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue
of life is perceived more often in churches today as
political rather than spiritual.
Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception
to silence many in the body of Christ.
We must see the battle for what it is and we must
daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
>> Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your
emotions to believe truth and to speak truth,
regardless of the repercussions.
>> Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) --
It will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of
our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in
this fallen world.
>> Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel
of Peace. (vs. 15) -- Preparation is vital if we are
to be effective in God's work.
>> Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser
will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an
invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
>> Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet
protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and
thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine
revelation for human reasoning.
>> Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word
of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was
used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word
is powerful and effective.
Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and
the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)
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