Praying for Life

05-15-2022Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

The recent leak of a draft of an opinion from the Supreme Court about overturning Roe v. Wade has engendered much consternation and outcry leading to rallies that support “women’s reproductive rights to choose.” It’s sad to note that this focus is solely on the woman without any acknowledgement of the human being growing within the woman’s body. I’ve noticed over the years, that there has been an increasing disregard for the unborn child from what was once an attitude that abortions should be “safe, legal and rare.” Now, there’s a more cavalier attitude of “my body – my choice” in all circumstances, which really denies the regrettable and heart-wrenching reality involved. It’s called “my baby” only when it’s wanted. It’s not surprising that such truth is being denied in a culture that now allows persons to twist reality to fit their own ends.

Unfortunately, there is no longer talk of other options such as adoption. With infertile couples longing to have a family, this would be a blessed choice for both mother and couple. On one occasion, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta shared her experience with this alternative to abortion. She said, "Please don't kill the child. I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted, and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child, and be loved by the child. From our children's home in Calcutta alone, we have saved over 3,000 children from abortions. These children have brought such love and joy to their adopting parents, and have grown up so full of love and joy!"

There has been a growing focus in the pro-life movement centered on caring for women who have an unexpected or difficult pregnancy. In a recent statement from the Conference of U.S. Catholic Bishops, they write, “We exhort our nation to prioritize the well-being of women, children, and families with both material resources and personal accompaniment so that no woman ever feels forced to choose between her future and the life of her child.” They go on to itemize ways dioceses, parishes, Catholic agencies and institutions can work toward that goal. Visit https://parish.bostoncatholic.org/sites/g/files/zjfyce921/files/2022-03/ProLife_statement-standing-with-moms-031522.pdf  to read their statement as well as the website: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/, which is a helpful resource to implement their suggestions. Please pray for pregnant mothers in difficult circumstances as well as for enlightenment in our society that will take into consideration, not only the challenges these pregnant women face, but also the plight of the voiceless seeking to come to birth.

God bless you! Fr. Bob