The Catholic Church has designated today as one of prayer and penance for violations against the dignity of the human person through abortion
Reflections on the readings for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (January 22, 2022): 2 SM 1:1-4,11-12,19,23-27; PS 80:2-3,5-7; MK 3:20-21
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
We must pray for and assist the mothers of babies who consider abortion for so many difficult reasons. We need to remember the babies’ fathers and other family members -- as well...
On this date in 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States of America rendered a monumental decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. The result was the end of protection for the lives of the unborn. After this, states could not prohibit abortion. In the years since, more than 60 million unborn infants in this country have been aborted. This Day of Prayer for the Legal protection of Unborn Children was established by the American Bishops to urge the end of this grave situation by defending the right to life. We are asked to use today as a time to pray and offer penance for these deaths and to guide our nation in preserving life. While we focus primarily on children endangered by abortion, we must also pray for others. We must pray for and assist the mothers of babies who consider abortion for so many difficult reasons. We need to remember the babies’ fathers and other family members -- as well as the people who provide or support abortion. These include some medical and healthcare workers, government officials, members of organizations, and other private individuals who are pro-abortion. Besides national efforts, Catholic churches around the country hold pro-life events to encourage people to grasp the importance of all persons, and to see our special responsibility to the most vulnerable.
St. Pope John Paul II said: “The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus’ message. Lovingly received day after day by the Church, it is to be preached with dauntless fidelity as good news to the people of every age and culture. … The Gospel of God’s love for man, the Gospel of the dignity of the person and the Gospel of life are a single and indivisible Gospel.” God made each of His children. Let us value and protect each child, one by one.
Suggested missionary action: Let us regularly say the Collect prayer from today’s Mass: “God our Creator, we give thanks to You, who alone have the power to impart the breath of life as you form each of us in our mother’s womb; grant, we pray, that we, whom You have made stewards of creation may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life.”
