Respect Life Month

Greetings my brothers and sisters, Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month.” This year, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities has invited Catholics to commemorate the Month by embracing this moment of Eucharistic Revival to direct and strengthen our efforts to defend human life. He says in his statement recognizing this month:

Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, gives us the fullness of life. He calls each of us to respect that gift of life in every human person. While we live in a society that often rejects those who are weak, fragile, or vulnerable, they are the most in need of our care and protection

There are many ways we can work to give “care and protection” to the most “weak, fragile and vulnerable”, that is, the unborn child in the womb: pray for an end to abortion and for the conversion of all hearts; speak out whenever abortion is presented as a legitimate “solution”; join the Respect Life committee in our parish; join in the March for Life held each January. Bishop Burbidge points out another important to act for the unborn:

We must renew our commitment to work for the legal protection of every human life, from conception to natural death, and to vote for candidates who will defend the life and dignity of the human person.

We must seek to vote for candidates and measures/propositions which seek to treasure the beauty and dignity of each and every human life, born and unborn. Unfortunately, several states have enacted laws or are seeking to enact laws which undermine respect for human life, especially the unborn. In California, for instance, there is urgent need to vote pro-life because of the very public and intransigent position taken by the state government to be a “sanctuary” for abortion. It is necessary to become informed as to the drastic and unprecedented steps being taken by the state to provide abortion on demand, and not just for people of the state of California but also for those from outside the state. This is not acceptable and legislators must know this. One way to do this is by casting our vote in favor of life.

I share with you the prayer that Bishop Burbidge included in his statement and urge you to pray it throughout this month, up until the election in November:

Jesus, you came that we might have life—and have it in abundance. Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you form us in our mothers’ wombs and call us to love you for all eternity. As your most precious gift of human life is attacked, draw us ever closer to your Real Presence in the Eucharist. Dispel the darkness of the culture of death, for you are the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. By the power of your Eucharistic Presence, help us to defend the life of every human person at every stage. Transform our hearts to protect and cherish all whose lives are most vulnerable. For you are God, forever and ever. Amen.

Death is not the answer to any of our social, political and moral problems. Life is always the answer and life comes to us in a very special and unique way when we receive the Eucharist. May we always remember to treasure and respect each and every human life since each and every human being is called to live forever in the Lord Jesus Christ.

St. Joseph Marello, pray for us.

Fr. Brian, OSJ