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June 28, 2022As I write this, the Unites Stated Supreme Court issued an overturning of the 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade. I have always been an opponent of this ruling but also understand how the courts got to where they did back in 1973. While I am opposed to abortion, I have frequently wondered whether it was wise to use the federal and state law systems to promote a decision about life which I believe should always be decided in favor of the child and is always a moral choice, i.e., a choice of the heart. I remember my moral theology professor saying, “You can’t legislate morality and expect it to be successful for all.” It is a complex issue for us as we live in a democracy and have a right to voice our views, but we also recognize that others do not always agree with us.
As Catholics, we are called to give witness to our faith. All those who march and make their voices heard should be applauded; however, I always want to challenge those who are anti-abortion to be completely pro-life. What do I mean by that? To be pro-life means that we are willing to support all those who are fragile and vulnerable. Of course, no one is more fragile and vulnerable than the child in the womb. But there are also the poor, immigrants, refugees, the elderly, and others who continuously cry out for our help. All these people also need our support to live with dignity and be protected. Like many people, I receive countless letters and requests to help the vulnerable here in the U.S. and across the globe. It is our call as Christians to respond—to be pro-life in these situations too.
I also recognize that despite our clear teaching on abortion, many women have chosen to use this option. My desire is for charity and to offer forgiveness where wanted. In this difficult time, I want to reiterate that God loves us beyond all telling and is always ready to forgive and bring healing. The Church has the sacrament of reconciliation, of course, to help Catholics who are dealing with this personally, but we also have mechanisms and programs (Project Rachel, Pregnancy Care Centers, etc.) to support and help all those who are struggling with all the facets of this complex issue. Supporting these groups goes a long way in showing our lifelong pro-life stance.
I do not want to leave men out of this discussion. Frequently, there are men who have been part of the decision for abortion who also will need reconciliation and healing. Often, this is a couple’s issue, and we want to offer and support healing around these decisions for both parents, regardless of their relationship status.
My hope is that all will see the pro-life teaching of the Church as normative and inclusive from the natural beginning of life to its natural end. Ideally, what we will see in our parish is a strong support of voices and actions that promote a complete pro-life stance. On the other hand, I hope we will be seen as a place of healing and renewal for those who feel the need for healing and reconciliation around this issue. In closing, I remind all that when giving witness, we must always do this with the mind of Christ, treating each person with charity, dignity, and humility.
Happy Fourth of July—a day to celebrate our nation’s birth. We are living in troubling times, but I know that with God’s guidance, we will continue to be a great nation that many look to, for our ideals, our generosity, and our example of democracy.
Building news: This week we had a parishioner volunteer to paint the windows of the garage. We also resolved the problem of the air conditioner in the chapel. (It was an electrical problem that was easily fixed.) Chad has been spot-painting some of the areas in the church. We will have an art restorationist come to look at the painting of the Assumption of Mary in the sanctuary. It is beginning to peel, and we want a professional to look at it before it is too late.
