Life: Our Sign of Hope
As we began the month of October which is dedicated as Respect Life Month, Bishop Daniel Thomas, Chairman, of the US Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities Daily, wrote the following:
Headlines remind us of how desperately our world is thirsting for the hope that only God can provide. Every day we witness the overwhelming disregard for human life: through rising rates of abortion and assisted suicide; the killing of innocent school children, even at prayer; the mistreatment of our immigrant sisters and brothers as they endure an environment of aggression; and political and ideological violence inflicted against unsuspecting victims. These attacks threaten life precisely when it is most vulnerable and in need of protection.
Despite these realities, the gift of human life exists as a sign of hope to our world today, defying the powers of darkness and the culture of death. It is of the utmost importance that we work to ensure that every life, in every stage and circumstance, is protected in law.
There is hope that even among those who advocate for abortion rights, one could easily find many who would hold that human life is to be protected. It would be hard to find anyone in society who would support the indiscriminate taking of another life, even if they do not support the upholding of these rights of those yet to be born. We pray that they may open their hearts to seeing unborn life as we do.
In the same way, we hope that those who advocate against abortion will open their hearts to the life of the poor, the condemned, the elderly, the terminally ill, the handicapped and the immigrant.
Advocating for adequate health care and education is opening our hearts to life. Working toward just and dignified solutions regarding immigration, housing and jobs is opening our hearts to life. Dedicating resources to the relief and development of poor communities and nations is opening our hearts to life. Overcoming bigotry and prejudice to those of a different gender, race, creed or sexual orientation is opening our hearts to life. Protecting our children from any form of abuse, and caring for those who have suffered abuse, opens our hearts to life. Choosing diplomacy over war opens our hearts to life
During this month of October, let us commit ourselves to open our hearts to life, where it is closed. If you identify yourself as “pro-choice” regarding abortion, pray that your heart may be open to understanding the devastation that abortion inflicts on the unborn child, the parents and our society. If you struggle with being open to any of the other issues I mentioned above, pray for the grace to see the lives of every human as being made in the image and likeness of God.
The war, poverty and terror that we encounter in our world today is because of hearts closed to life and, therefore, leave no room for hope.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS NEEDED – This week I sent information to all those who have expressed an interest in serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors. The required diocesan training dates for these ministries are approaching. As I have said before, we need to replenish our corps of volunteers in these ministries. This is particularly true as we attempt to reinstitute the distribution of the Precious Blood of Our Lord. So, this is a last call. Please email me this week if you are interested in being trained to serve as an EMHC or Lector, frgerard@srolchurch.org
BAPTISMAL MINISTRY – A few people have responded to my invitation to serve on our Baptismal Ministry team. We need volunteers to hospitably welcome the babies and their families to the celebration of Baptisms on Sunday afternoons. Your presence and assistance will help these families to feel welcome in our parish and help our parish to provide a meaningful liturgy to these families. Please fill out the form in the bulletin and send it in to me.
SAFETY AND SECURITY – I have been in contact with parishioners who expressed an interest in helping me to evaluate safety and security at Sunday mass. I ask retired and active LEO’s to reach out to me, frgerard@srolchurch.org, if you are willing to be involved in these discussions.
Peace,
