Day Fourteen - From Womb to Tomb
Today's Reflection
by Alison Simpson
When someone says the words Pro-Life, what comes to mind? Innocent children killed through abortion? What about euthanasia? Do you think about the vulnerable in our society who should have a voice but are marked as a burden? Being Pro-Life means respecting ALL life, however big or small and at all stages of life. We must protect life from the womb to the tomb. So, how do we help these innocent voices be heard? How can we be patient, kind, and say the right things to those unwilling to listen?
First, pray for those who have had loved ones that have gotten abortions or used various forms of euthanasia. I know this seems pretty obvious, but prayer is the best thing we can ever do. God listens and understands the difficulties that individuals have faced due to grief, pain, or shame. Pray for those who are contemplating getting an abortion or using euthanasia. Pray that Mother Mary may wrap her loving mantle around all the unborn children and their parents. Pray that she may wrap her mantle around the sick, disabled, and the elderly. Pray that the Holy Spirit may allow you to say the right thing. Take a deep breath and trust. God will give you the right words to defend the truth.
Second, speak the truth with love! It's a motto we should all live by. More often than not, those who refuse to listen or act defensively do it as a result of pain, pride, or another personal matter. For example, one might argue that abortion is okay because their friend had one and they are afraid they will be labeled as a bad or judgmental friend. What if we weren't so afraid to share the truth with others? We are all called to plant a seed or idea inside the minds of those we encounter. In turn, God will water that seed and allow that idea to grow in someone’s mind. A curious mind often wants to seek more truth and answers. Come with compassion to all those who have different beliefs and opinions than you. Lastly, be open to healthy debate. It is okay to have a different opinion. Be proud to be Pro-Life but remember to speak the truth with love!
Do your research. Knowing scientific terms and gaining knowledge from books or experts can aid you in defending the truth. This is especially important to have when talking with those who are not Christian and have a hard time recognizing the dignity of a person, even at conception. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the National Catholic Bioethics Center are great examples of solid guides of truth. I also highly recommend the books Biomedicine and Beatitude: An Introduction to Catholic Bioethics, Who am I to Judge? and Made This Way. Never forget that God is the greatest guide of all. He will allow you to encounter certain people in your life not just to test you, but to help you to grow. Knowledge is such a powerful and beautiful gift.
Life is the greatest gift God has given us. We should thank God daily for this gift. Pray for those who might not recognize that. There are a lot of hurting people in the world that are afraid to ask God for mercy because they feel unworthy. However, that is never true. God loves us all. The minute we make a mistake God drops it to the bottom of the ocean. He's forgotten. Let's pray that those who are lost and broken may return to Jesus, just like the prodigal son returned to his father.
Prayer of Gratitude
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits and blessings which you have given me, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for me. Merciful Friend, Brother and Redeemer, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Prayer written by St. Richard of Chichester