We read in today’s first reading, Isaiah 8:23-9:3, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing…”
The light of Christ has indeed come into the world, and he is the truth who sets us free to live life to the full, by dying to self and defending the life of the most vulnerable among us, and at this point in history, it is the pre-born baby. Unfortunately, there are still thousands of abortions throughout our country every day, although it has been greatly diminished by the Supreme Court deci-sion to overturn Roe v. Wade, June 24, 2022, which significantly is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
We read in today’s Gospel, Mt. 4:12-23, that St. John the Baptist was arrested by King Herod for proclaiming the truth of God’s Kingdom, “Thou shall not commit adultery.” Now Jesus takes up the theme to establish God’s kingdom of life and salvation by proclaiming “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” after which he calls his first disciples, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” When government officials and citizens alike refuse to embrace the call to conversion, death and chaos ensue. They place their souls in jeopardy of losing heaven forever.
May we pray that all government officials and citizens become pro-life, because God is the Giver, Sustainer and Goal of every human life, and he rewards those who follow his Holy Commandments, including, “Thou shall not kill.” I am grateful for the Declaration of Principles signed by many pro-life groups:
“Truth exists. Truth cannot change. It cannot be destroyed.
More than five decades of pro-abortion rhetoric have not, cannot and will not alter fundamental truth: from the beginning of her existence, (at conception) the pre-born child has an unalienable right to life. It is incumbent then upon the pro-life movement to hold fast to the truth and to shine a light upon it for all to see.
We know that each human being is a person fully known to God the Creator while in their mother’s womb. The Bible tells us this is true. We know each human be-ing’s life begins when a human egg and sperm unite. Science tells us this is true.
We know that when a “right” is inherent in human nature, every single human possesses that right. Logic tells us this is true.
To contradict any of these facts, then, is to contradict the truth. To contradict the fact that every human being has a right to live is also to discriminate. It is discrimination not to recognize a person’s inherent rights for reason of race, sex, ethnicity, disability, circumstance of creation, or any other arbitrary classification. Logic dictates, then, that it is discriminatory to attempt to deny a child her right to life because of classifications over which she has no control.
It is discriminatory and untrue to say that everyone has a right to life except when a child is conceived by rape
or incest. It is discriminatory and untrue to say that everyone has a right to life except a child, who later in life may require medical attention, a wheelchair, or special education.
Because it is morally, scientifically, and logically untenable to argue for the right to life of the preborn and, at the same time, to dis-criminate against certain babies, we hereby call for equal protection and respect of human beings in all life’s stages and in every condition.
While truth is a cornerstone that cannot be destroyed, it can be ignored or obscured. But to ignore or obscure truth is to try to construct a false reality, one that can-not stand. For this reason, the pro-life movement must, by our statements and by our actions, recognize and speak the truth about abortion in all its forms.
We will educate Americans that direct, intentional abortion is never necessary for any reason; that treatment to save a mother’s life which is indirect, unintended, and un-avoidable consequence or “double effect” causes the baby to die is not “abortion.”
Finally, we can call for an end to discrimination against the preborn as a class and as individuals. Every human being possesses an unalienable right to life.”
You, and every human being matters. Your life is a gift from God! What you make of yourself by how you stand up for the truth of life and salvation is your gift back to God.
Peace in Christ, Fr. Thomas McCabe