“They have some kind of religious service there on Saturday mornings. How messed up is that?” This is exactly what I heard one Planned Parenthood escort say to another as I was stood outside the Aid To Women Center in Tempe, Arizona waiting for it to open.
I was easy to identify, I had my alb, stole, and cincture (liturgical vestments), dangling from one arm and a monstrance clutched in the other. There was no doubt that my presence prompted said comment.
My reaction? Initially, my blood boiled. “How messed up is that?” – “How messed up is that???!!!” Those words ricocheted in my mind like a bullet that refused to be put to rest. I was so tempted to yell something back. Even now reflecting on those five words are inducing a mild case of vertigo in me.
Part of me – then and now – wants to strike back; to begin screaming out something to the effect of, “What’s more messed up? A group of people praying for the protection of the unborn, or you in your orange escort vest helping pregnant women into your Planned Parenthood clinic to terminate the life of an innocent baby?”
Unimaginably, this is where we are at in this world. How is it possible that so many people in America look upon those praying for children who cannot protect themselves as being ‘messed up’ while those affiliated with Planned Parenthood are knighted as the guardians of noble virtue? For the record, I did take action. I’ll let you know what I did in a moment.
Yes, it is true; on Saturday mornings at the Aid To Women Center in Tempe there is indeed a religious service going on. One of great power and significance. Here are three things you need to know about this anything but “messed up” service:
1) This particular Aid To Women Center butts right up to a Planned Parenthood building. In fact, they share a common wall. On the side of the Women’s Center is a chapel. On the other side of the wall, on the Planned Parenthood side, is a procedure room where abortions take place. A volunteer Deacon comes to the Center at 7am and exposes the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is present in the chapel for adoration until noon at which time Benediction, followed by reposition, occurs. During this time of adoration people come in to pray for the unborn, for those contemplating abortion, for those assisting in abortions, and for the end of abortion. I was blessed to be said Deacon this past Saturday. When I returned at noon for Benediction, the chapel was packed.
2) The monstrance, which holds the Blessed Sacrament, is placed on a ledge beneath a crucifix. The monstrance directly faces the wall behind which abortions are taking place.
3) This particular Planned Parenthood provides abortions between 7am and noon on Saturday. This last Saturday experienced a record low for the number of abortions conducted thus far this year. I believe the total was two abortion procedures and two people who received the abortion pill. I know what you’re thinking, and I agree…still too many.
What accounted for this record low death rate? Was it the presence of Jesus? Was it the number of prayers said in the chapel? Was it the prayer warriors on the sidewalk standing up for those without a voice? Of course it was.
So, what did I do when I heard that escort say, “How messed up is that?” Well, after resisting the urge to scream something back at them, once composed, I said a prayer for all those escorts (there were like ten of them), and for everyone working inside that Planned Parenthood building, and for all the mothers who will be contemplating this most grave action.
Prayer, combined with our presence, is a powerful weapon. As such I ask you to take a moment to pray for the unborn and for those involved in the business of abortion. No one – absolutely no one – is beyond God’s love and his redemption. And secondly, consider coming out and be seen praying for life. I’m sure that there a Christians gathering to pray outside your nearest Planned Parenthood who would love to have another prayer warrior at their side. If you are unable to do this, still pray. Pray for the redemption of those caught up in this culture of death; pray for the unborn; pray especially at this time that our country will see its way to choosing life, and that the Supreme Court will indeed overturn Roe vs. Wade.
Copyright 2022, Dennis Lambert
Dennis Lambert
Dennis Lambert and his wife Debbie live in Arizona, where he serves as a deacon in the Diocese of Phoenix. In addition to his work with the Church, Dennis spends his time writing both works of fiction and non-fiction. His first novel, The Table, won two Catholic Press Association awards. His second book, and first work of non-fiction, FOR REAL? Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist, was published this May by Liguori Publications. In addition to his passion for writing, Dennis and Debbie share a deep love of music and have performed together in choirs and bands for almost three decades. Please visit dennislambert-writer.com for more information.