Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today the Church observes the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. This powerful intercession is a vital part of the work of fighting to restore the most basic human right—the right to life. Legalizing abortion gave human beings a right intended only for God. In our culture, abortion has become so acceptable it can seem impossible to even hope for any real change. I was thinking about how easy it is to become discouraged with this issue when the results of prayer and hard work are often difficult to see and there is so much resistance to the truth.
Today’s readings relate to us the reason to keep praying and working. The reading from the Second Book of Samuel relates the story of the anointing David as King of Israel (II Sam 5:3). Immediately after becoming king, David and his army set out to take Jerusalem back from the Jebusites who occupied the region. He was told he could not enter the city. Despite intense resistance, David and his army proceeded to enter Jerusalem and did take back the city “for the Lord of hosts was with him” (II Sam 5:10). Mark’s Gospel reading relates the incident where the scribes have actually accused Jesus of being possessed by Satan and casting out demons by the power of Satan (Mk 3:22). Jesus, aware of their blindness, proceeds to speak to them in parables, warning them of the seriousness of attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the evil one (Mk 3:28-30). It is just this type of fierce opposition that Jesus faced each and every day in his life of ministry. But as the Son of God and through the Spirit of God, Jesus was able to fulfill God’s plan and ultimately accomplish salvation for all of humanity.
The fight to restore and protect the full dignity of human life is fraught at every step with setbacks, opposition, and resistance. So far from the truth has our society strayed and too long has abortion been accepted as the “right” of the individual. But just as the power of God was with David, and just as Jesus never lost sight of his purpose and goal, we must believe that the final victory lies with Truth. Today we are called to pray for each and every person affected by the evil of abortion, especially those who actively participate. We are asked to engage in some form of penance in reparation for the harm inflicted upon humanity and against God as a result of abortion. And we are called to a deep and abiding faith in the power of the Trinitarian God. Forever with us, even in our most wretched weakness and most appalling rebellion, the Father has always responded to our cries for help. Today let us truly plead with the Father that his power continue to be with us in this struggle.
O Holy Immortal God!
You continue to abundantly bless and create our fallen human community.
Send your Spirit to accompany and empower us to fight the evil of abortion.
May the sanctity and dignity of human life be fully restored and protected
and may your forgiveness and mercy be with us forever.
We ask this with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Through Jesus Christ , your Son,
Amen.
-Gail Lyman