Mary Magdalene and women at the empty tomb of Jesus on day of Resurrection, relief on the baptismal font, church of Saint Matthew in Stitar, Croatia

The photo depicts the Resurrection of Christ and was taken by my husband during a passion play in 2017.

By Julie Anderson
Member, Hosea Board of Advisors

​
Recently while researching the role of angels in the life of Christ, I stumbled across a lesser known celebration of the Easter season, that of Monday of the Angel. Curious, I took a few minutes to learn more about it.

Celebrated as what is known as “little Easter” in many European and South American countries, the day after Easter is a public holiday in countries such as Germany, Croatia and Italy. In Italy, the day is known as Lunedi dell’ Angelo and honors the angel’s role in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection. 

St. Matthew writes, “After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,* Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples (Matthew 28:1-7).”

Did you catch that last part? The women ran from the tomb. They ran with joy in their hearts. They ran, announcing the good news of Christ’s resurrection as shared with them by the angel.

Of Greek origin, the word “angel” translates as “messenger” in English. The women who visited the tomb that first Easter morning heard the message of truth as heralded by the angel. Then, they ran to tell everyone around them. In doing so, they became messengers of truth and life.

In today’s world, we don’t necessarily think about messages in the same way. We send email messages and text messages to family and friends on a daily basis. In fact, most people get inundated with hundreds of messages every day. Still, I wonder if we received a message directly from an angel if we would give it our full attention? Would we rush to share the message with everyone around us? 

The message of Christ’s resurrection is the single greatest message the world has ever been given throughout all of history. Christ conquered death, and because he died for us, we have the opportunity to live with Him forever in heaven!  

As I reflected on Christ’s resurrection as a central tenet of the Christian faith, the words of St. Paul came to mind. He devoted an entire chapter of one of his epistles to Christ’s resurrection and what it will mean for everyone on the last day. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again incorruptible: and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:58).”  

To me, the verse implies trumpets will continue to herald a message of truth, life and love until Jesus comes again in glory. Yet, how?

The word “herald” can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to official messengers or those who proclaim news. As a verb, herald means “to give notice of” or “announce” something.

Given the definition, it’s no surprise trumpets and similar-sounding instruments are often used to announce someone or something important. Take, for example, the United States Army Herald Trumpets who serve as the official fanfare ensemble for the president of the United States or the shofar, the Jewish horn used to awaken and inspire people to repentance and change on Jewish holy days such as Rosh Hashanah.

Getting back to St. Paul’s words about the last trumpet, I think believers everywhere are called to be messengers of truth and heralds of the Gospel of Life until the last day. We should all heed the words of the prophet Isaiah who instructs us to, “Raise your voice up like a trumpet (Isaiah 58:1).”

Here at Hosea Initiative we encourage all prolife-minded individuals to raise their voices up like trumpets in defense of the most precious gift God has ever given us-the gift of life, the very gift he gave us by virtue of His resurrection. In fact, Isaiah’s rallying cry served as the theme of Hosea Initiative’s first “Life is Beautiful” gala held this past December. 

The gala reminded those in attendance this year is a pivotal one, especially here in the United States. As our nation prepares to elect a president and vice-president, it is important that we, as faithful believers in the resurrection of Christ, raise our voices up like trumpets for life each and every day leading up to the election.

How will you “raise your voice up like a trumpet” for the unborn?  How will you serve as a messenger of truth and a herald of the Gospel of Life?

ACTION ITEM Order your "Raise Up Your Voice Like a Trumpet" ornament HERE!!

Julie Anderson is a member of the Hosea Board of Advisors, a freelance journalist of 20 years and a prolife advocate. She writes from her home state of Kansas. For her full bio, see hosea4you.org.

Cathedral St. Paul, St Paul, MN Photo by Clare Ruff

Photo source “ wga.hu” online.

By Clare Ruff

​ 
On August 27, 1498, a 23-year-old Italian artist was commissioned to create a life-sized rendition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  For the next two years, the relatively unknown sculptor chiseled from a single slab of Carrara marble an artwork of unparalleled beauty.  His mournful Madonna, co-mingling pity with piety, was unveiled in the Jubilee Year of 1500, and for the next  520 years has drawn millions of admirers to St. Peter's Basilica to be inspired by La Pietà.

When the masterpiece was first revealed, the author mingled incognito in the crowd and overheard spectators trying to identify the artist.  His name was never suggested.   In pride and anger, he carved front and center into the sash crossing the Madonna’s gown:  MICHAEL ANGLEUS BONAROTUS FLORENT FACIEBAT, translated:  “Michael Angelo Buonarroti of Florence made this”.  He swore never again to sign a work of his art.

If you cannot travel to Rome to take in its grandeur, authentic replicas of the Pietà are displayed throughout the United States.  The Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows, in Chicago, Illinois is home to a replica sculpted by Spartaco Palla from 6600 pounds of the same Carrara marble.  The Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota, and  St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Corona, California have Vatican-approved exact replicas made of crushed marble dust cast in the official bronze mold made in 1931 of the original Pietà.  When Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas was dedicated in 1985, it was gifted an exact replica of the Pietà by the parents of our own Julie Anderson, another Hosea Initiative Blog contributor. 

Michelangelo immortalizes the drama of Holy Week in his Pietà.  These are sacred days for both Christians and Jews.   The Jewish people memorialize the first Passover in Egypt and exodus from slavery.  Christians recall the events of the “new Passover” where the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is immolated on the wood of the cross to redeem humanity from sin. 

Holy Week

Palm Sunday opens with triumphant cries from a fickle populace lining the road with branches to welcome the Messiah.   Monday’s grand betrayal rewards Judas with 30 pieces of silver.  Thursday’s sacred meal initiates a new manna and a new covenant.  The disciples wonder:  Why do we celebrate the Pasch a day earlier than Moses required?  Where is the lamb for the feast?  What did the Teacher say about going to prepare a place for us?  

The new Adam is also in a garden; here, anguish and swords climax with a blasphemous kiss.   Interrogations relent until the full moon sets, as chief priests and jeering soldiers demand, “Are you the Christ, Son of the Blessed?" (Mark 14:61)   The civic authority, Pontius Pilate, cowardly washes his hands of Truth when history presents him a singular opportunity for courage and nobility.  Scourged at a pillar of pain, then flanked by two criminals, the condemned man stumbles through the cobblestone streets of Jerusalem carrying the weight of a fallen world on his shoulders.  

Outside the walls of David’s city, the Lamb of God is sacrificed; the torture is legal, according to civil law.  Pierced and fixed to a tree, he utters astonishing words, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Finally, beneath a total eclipse of the sun, Jesus whispers, “It is finished." (John 19:30)

Most Good Friday spectators stood at a distance, fearing the soldiers and contamination from the dying bodies and outpouring of blood.  But, Mary stood near the cross on which her Son hung.   Hardship was not new to her.  She had endured false judgment and ridicule at Jesus’ conception, incarnating a mystery the town gossips could never image.  She experienced persecution, homelessness, and exile.  Perhaps, the sublimity of her motherhood is magnified precisely because of these sorrows.

 From the moment of the angel’s greeting and her assent to God’s will, her DNA was part of His.  Her blood nourished His body.  Once, she sheltered His body and soul in the safety of her womb.   Now, she wipes away the blood falling from his wounded limbs, and watches soldiers cast lots for garments she wove and mended.  Simeon’s prophecy is fulfilled as an invisible sword pierces her own soul—“that the thoughts of many might be revealed." (Luke 2:35)

She cannot offer Him even a cup of water, but she offers the unique gift of her maternal love, and nourishes him with unmeasured compassion.

Nature prepares women to be life bearers, but she carried Life itself.   “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life," (John 14:6) Jesus told Martha and Mary before raising their brother Lazarus from the grave.  The Life-bearer watches as shadows fall-- across the face of her Son as across the Israeli sky.  When the trauma finally ends and Jesus is removed from the cross, tradition tells us His lifeless body is placed in the arms of His mother. 

Is there any greater sorrow?   Any mother losing her child suffers a tremendous loss, but this Mother parting from this Child?   It is unimaginable. 

Michelangelo captures the moment of the icon of maternity grieving the loss of her child.  However, her face is serene in suffering, radiating acceptance, hinting at the surety of what will follow in three days.  She epitomizes all who have ever lost a child, or suffered violence, sickness, or death.  She embraces death with the same faith with which she welcomed His life. 

 What consolation it is that at least one sufficiently mourned the King of Calvary.   Her tears are our tears.   We pray: Holy Mother, weep for your Son, weep for us all.  The Pietà. 

Photo source: Oneonta.edu

Photo source: BLOGSPOT Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica

Cathedral St. Paul, St Paul, MN Photo by Clare Ruff

Julie Andersonand her husband Marc at their Christ the King parish in Topeka, KS Photo by Larry Katsbulas

Clare Ruff earned her BA in Theology from University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
and serves as Director of Events and Outreach for the Hosea Initiative.
She writes from her home in southeastern Minnesota.

By Julie Anderson
 Member, Hosea Initiative, Board of Advisors

Every year, my husband and I make at least one trip to our nation’s capital for a prolife event.  And while I look forward to the event itself, I always make time for one personal stop. 
While most trips to D.C. include sightseeing to many of the capital’s monuments and museums, my trips, (even if for only a day or two), always include a visit to the grave of my beloved paternal grandparents who served as my godparents.

After a career in the United States Air Force, my grandfather retired as a lieutenant colonel. As a result of his military service, he qualified to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. My grandmother is buried in the same grave. Whenever I visit their gravesite, I leave yellow roses (my grandmother’s favorite), and I spend as much time there in prayer, given my schedule. Afterwards, and especially if we have someone else with us, we make a stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

Recently, while watching a video, I thought about the soldiers who stand guard at the tomb. During his shift, each solider takes 21 steps in one direction, clicks his heel, turns and walks 21 steps in the other direction, repeating the sequence multiple times. Around-the-clock, 365 days a year, no matter the weather, a solider stands guard at the tomb as he walks slowly, precisely, methodically, walking the same 21 steps over and over again.

As the scene played in my mind, I started wondering how we, as prolife-minded people, could “walk” 21 steps of love to promote the Gospel of Life here in our nation, especially as it relates to the new “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service” launched on March 25. While launched by the Catholic Church, it’s intended to reach people of all faiths. The goal of the initiative is to highlight the many resources available to mothers who face unplanned pregnancies and to walk alongside those mothers, helping them to choose life. Yet, I’d like to suggest we can walk alongside mothers in need, directly and indirectly. Furthermore, we all can and must stand guard for the unborn each and every single day.

To that end, I’ve created a list below which hopefully inspires those who read this blog to stand guard for the unborn children. Anyway, here’s the list.

1.  Pray daily for an end to abortion. 

2.  Spiritually adopt a child in danger of being aborted. Name the child just as you would name a  newborn. Pray daily for that child by name. 

3.   Donate to a local pregnancy resource center or a prolife apostolate such as Hosea Initiative. 

4.   Buy diapers, groceries and/or children’s clothes for a single mother in your neighborhood.   
   Leave them anonymously on her doorstep.

5.  Volunteer to answer the hotline of a pregnancy resource center.

6.  Participate virtually in the 40 Days for Life campaign. 

7.  Post life-affirming messages of faith, hope and love on your social media account.

8. If you exercise in your home, jog in place for 23 minutes each day. Pray for the 2,300 children     who die in America through abortion. Pray for the other victims of abortion such as the                     mother, father, siblings and grandparents.

9. Study the prolife conversion stories of people such as Dr. Bernard N. Nathanson. 

10. Host a virtual screening of a prolife movie such as Unplanned. Afterward, connect via           technology for discussion.

11. Fast from technology. Use the time to reflect on Psalm 139 which says, “You formed my          inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

12. Start a prolife book club online. Meet virtually weekly to discuss a chapter or two from What If We’ve Been Wrong? Keeping my promise to America’s “Abortion King”.

13. Spend an hour in silence on Sunday morning. Ask God to guide you as to how to use your         talents to serve the unborn child.

14. Contact your legislator via email or telephone. Ask for a telephone appointment to discuss his/her views on life issues.

15. Use a prolife curriculum as part of your church’s online religious education classes.

16. Ask your pastor to allow you to post prolife resources on your church’s website.

17. Host an online event such as a Liberated by Truth Conference for your church or other group.

18. Research the policy positions of those running for office during this election year and educate others as to the candidates’ positions on the important life issues such as abortion.

19. If you feel called, consider running for elective office. After all, the country could always use more prolife leaders to form public policy in a way that honors life in all its stages. If you’re unsure how to get started with a campaign, contact the Susan B. Anthony List.

20. Join or start Gabriel Project at your church. 

21. Send messages of thanks and gratitude for those serving on the front lines of the prolife movement.

So, there it is-a list of 21 steps of love we can take to “stand guard” for the unborn. Will you answer the call? 




Julie Anderson is a member of the Hosea Board of Advisors, a freelance journalist of 20 years and a prolife advocate. She writes from her home state of Kansas. For her full bio, see hosea4you.org.

By Clare Ruff 


Derived from the Latin quadragenta, meaning “forty”, and the Italian quaranta giorni (“space of forty days”), the word quarantine is relational to the word Lent. No wonder COVID-19 is transforming my annual season of penance and sacrifice. I find myself identifying with the isolation of Israel in the desert, and wonder if their 40-year sojourn can help me conquer these 40 days of confinement with better insight and purpose. 

Their “social distancing” was not punishment, but an opportunity to “tryst” with God in the wilderness. The goal was not minimalistic conformity to God’s code of righteousness, but acceptance of the Ten Commandments as a covenant and guidepost to authentic freedom. 

Israel had become habituated to slavery after 430 years of captivity; it drove their actions, inactions and reactions. The rod of the taskmaster trained the people to act from fear. Israel’s desert isolation was the necessary school where they learned to choose: to commit to the Covenant, and discipline their unruly hearts in order to love God and each other freely. Slavery in Egypt was an outward sign of the inner reality of slavery to sin. God staged the Exodus to free His people from both. 

Eyewitnesses to the miraculous plagues in Egypt (Ex. 7-12), including the escape from death of their firstborn children, the Israelites responded with impatience, bickering, and infidelity. Remember: they saw the pillar of cloud before them, and a pillar of fire distance them from Pharaoh’s army. They watched every chariot and charioteer be swallowed by the sea (Ex 14: 15-30). 

But they panicked. They worried how they would eat and drink (as if their Deliverer would forget such a detail). Had there been toilet paper in those days, there would have been a rush on it! They murmured about missing their flesh pots, onions, and herbs! God dependably provided manna every morning, and every evening filled the camp with sufficient quail for the entire nation. But they complained, “Would that we were back in the land of Egypt” (Nu 14: 3). Many preferred the routine of slavery to the growing pains of freedom! 

While Moses prayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites faithlessly worshiped a golden calf made with their own hands, even after ten plagues exposed the inadequacy of all Egypt’s false gods. The Lord gave them every reason to be faithful! They lacked courage, fortitude and mostly love. 

So, what’s the point? 
Can we learn from their mistakes? Can we apply their experience to ours? I think so. 
The imposed “corona-cation” is a desert-like experience. Being isolated from each other and other nations can be approached as either an imposition or an opportunity to mature and deepen our relationship with God and each other. When denied our equivalent of “flesh pots and garlic”, we must depend on God’s providential care and exercise faith in the future promise ahead. COVID-19 and other calamities make us ponder why God is getting our attention! Is it to return to righteousness? Do we have our own “false gods” to shatter? “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts,” (Ps 95) encourages the psalmist. We have a unique chance to listen and respond. 

Personally, I cannot help hear the cry of our nation’s unborn children. The death toll from Coronavirus is currently 487 (US stat Mar. 23, 2020), compared to 3,000 killed daily via abortion. Where are the 24/7 news reports, White House press conferences, and stimulus packages for the children obliterated on the altar “choice”? 

And for those who may not be aware, another epidemic is sweeping our country, even more widespread than the current coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is an alarming, exponential increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Nationwide from 2014 – 2018, chlamydia increased 19 percent; gonorrhea rose 63 percent; primary and secondary syphilis jumped 71 percent; and congenital syphilis sky-rocketed 185 percent (see chart below). 

The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “Syphilis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally, with approximately six million new cases each year. If a pregnant woman who is infected does not receive early and effective treatment, she can then transmit the infection to her unborn infant. This is known as ‘congenital syphilis’ which is often fatal. It can also cause low birth weight, prematurity, and other congenital deformities.” WHO’s findings, published February 27, 2019, state that globally, there were “more than half a million (around 661,000) total cases of congenital syphilis in 2016, resulting in over 200,000 stillbirths and neonatal deaths” (emphasis mine). 

I’d scratch my head--except we’re not supposed to touch our faces. 

In review: (CDC Statistics Updated March 23 at 1:50 PM) 

• USA COVID-19 : 41,126 confirmed cases, 487 deaths. 
• Global [minus China’s unpublished statistics]: 366,860 confirmed cases, 16,098 deaths. 
• The “pandemic” of congenital syphilis: 200,000 stillbirth and neonatal deaths (2016). 
Number of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States in 2018 
STD # of Cases Increase* 
Chlamydia 1,800,000 > 19 % Gonorrhea 583,405 > 63 % 
Syphilis 1st & 2nd 35,063 > 71 % Congenital Syphilis 
1,306 > 185 % 
* Percentage Increase from 2014 – 2018 

The CDC provides a downloadable pamphlet for physicians with recommendations regarding treatment of syphilis. It includes the following statement: “If sexually active, the surest way to avoid transmission of syphilis is to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.” 
Appropriate social distancing could eradicate more than one disease with alarming growth and mortality rates. 

In the end, the Israelites revealed through its 40 year quarantine the secret to purposeful social distancing: do not distance yourself from God. I wonder if our nation will learn such lessons from COVID-19 over the next 40 days? 

By Terry Beatley

​Dr. Bernard Nathanson and Reverend Billy Graham died on February 21 seven years apart, 2011 and 2018, respectively. The timing of their deaths reminded me of how God numbers our days and how so many things happen not by coincidence.  Perhaps God chose February 21 for both of these men – the preacher and the doctor who was once known as America’s “Abortion King” to remind of us of His bountiful love and mercy.

Rev. Billy Graham spent his life preaching the Word of God around the world. He taught us about Jesus Christ, implored us to repent and turn from our sinful ways. The well-known preacher made the truth so easy to grasp - no one escapes the love of God and He will not forsake the one lost sheep so steeped in sin.

One of the lost sheep was Dr. Nathanson who had unleashed abortion onto America. As the cofounder of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL Pro-Choice America), he deceived millions of Americans with the lie that abortion is “women’s healthcare” and was personally responsible for the death of 75,000 children. He trained Planned Parenthood how to perform abortions and watched the organization grow into the world’s largest killing machine. 

On December 8, 1996, the “Abortion King” repented for his crimes against humanity and was baptized at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. He spent the remainder of his life proclaiming the dignity of human life and that abortion must end.

Both the cofounder of NARAL and Reverend Graham declared the same Christ-centered message: “Love one another.” February 21 is the day the preacher and the “Abortion King” died. Both died, though,  as Children of God. . . Children of Light. . . Children of Truth who had surrendered their lives —their will— to Jesus Christ and received what God offered – His love and divine mercy.