Life seems out of control for so many. The world and all its anger and antics can be overwhelming. What are we called to do? Join in on all the craziness? Certainly not. We may understandably feel like crawling back into bed and hiding, but the Lord is calling us to so much more. We are his body. We are his voice. We are his hands.
On June 24 of last year, the pro-life movement celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. This returned the issue of abortion practices back to the individual states. Almost immediately, states took up the issue, demonstrating that the struggle is not going away anytime soon. Therefore, in this Pro-Life month, on this weekend’s anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the movement will continue in states that allow abortion to remain the law. For years, millions have gathered for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. and protesters also frequently gather outside abortion clinics across the country. The Pro-Life movement, though, is so much more than protest. We are to be and do so much more. We are to be the voice and hands of Christ.
We, as his disciples, are on mission. One grace that has arisen out of last year’s changes is a clearer awareness of the issues that women and babies now face: poverty, health care, education, housing, dignity, and more. The late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin spoke of the concept of a consistent ethic of life, which calls for the care of people from the “womb to tomb.” It has often been referred to as the seamless garment. After the June ruling, Cardinal Blase Cupich followed in the spirit of his predecessor, Cardinal Bernardin, saying: “We welcome this important ruling and the opportunity it creates for a national conversation on protecting human life in the womb and promoting human dignity at all stages of life.”
So how can we continue to blanket the world in the garment of the love of Christ? First, and especially this weekend, we pray. You are welcome to join the Rosary for the sanctity of life at the Mother Church (or pray one on your own), or attend the Mass for Life presided over by our shepherd Archbishop Vigneron, or participate in the Mass for Life at the Cathedral on January 23. Next, you could give some of your resources.
You could make a donation to Mary’s Mantle or Gianna House, Catholic residential programs for homeless expectant women here in our Metro area. They provide a safe, faith-based, and caring environment that supports the transition into motherhood. Mary’s Mantle even includes extended aftercare for continued personal growth and integration into the community for these moms. In addition to our important prayers and donations, there are many other ways we can be a part of these programs. Go to their website and see their volunteer opportunities. You could help with repairs in the home, mow a lawn, deliver meals, get to know the moms, and spend time with them.
Just a couple blocks from the Cathedral at Catholic Charities, they have many programs you could get involved with: Project Hope (a prenatal and parenting education to mothers), Baby Closets (providing diapers and other infant care supplies), Women’s Specialty Outreach Program (supporting new moms suffering from substance abuse), and Operation Layette (helping distribute kits with essential baby items).
We are his body. We are his voice. We are his hands. Let’s get to work.
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.