January 22nd is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children and also the 48th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. It is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude that millions of children have lost their lives, and millions of women and families have been wounded by abortion. The gift of life is holy and amazing! We must protect life. Could we imagine for adults that we would place rights of privacy and choice above the right to life? That one could kill another adult as long as a greater right of choice and privacy was claimed? It is ridiculous. Yet, that is exactly what has been done to unborn children in the legalization of abortion. The difference between an adult human and an unborn human is really just a matter of time. Why is it legal at one time to take a life and not another? We have to continue to stand up for and pray for the legal protection of unborn children. At the same time we must do all we can to help make the choice for life easier for all people, so that there is support for mothers and fathers in difficult situations, resources, and better options like adoption. We must love and protect all human life from conception until natural death. It is most assuredly a both/and effort—to both change laws and hearts, to both promote the truth and act with love and mercy.
As individuals, we are called to observe January 22nd through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or almsgiving. You’re also invited to join thousands of Catholics nationwide in prayer for the respect of human life during a special novena called 9 Days for Life. Visit 9daysforlife.com to sign up to receive daily intentions from January 21st through the 29th.
I’d also like to highlight two important post-abortive ministries – Project Rachel and Project Joseph. These ministries help those who have been involved in an abortion to find mercy, forgiveness, and healing in God. Please visit www.projectrachelkc.com for information on both individual and group counseling.
“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Let us continue to pray and act for the protection of life, especially for the unborn, the most innocent and defenseless. We can never give up!