Dear Friends,
“Deliver us from evil.” Even though we reflected upon this last week, it's worth revisiting it again. Since we discussed the evils we face individually, we can look at some other ways that the enemy of human nature attempts to mar, distort, and destroy the image and inscription of God found in every human being. We can think of how lives have been ruined by racism, human trafficking, drug abuse, the breakdown of the family, poverty. We must work to respect and protect every human life, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, social class.
At the same time, we must face and admit there is an evil which supersedes other evils: abortion. If we as a society do not stand resolutely against this evil, then we as a society will not adequately stand against other evils. If we don't protect the most defenseless, then we ultimately will not protect human life at other stages. This is the destruction and killing of innocent and defenseless human life; it is an individual person being destroyed. God is the author of human life, and therefore, we do not have the right to take away the life of others.
The devil, the enemy of human nature, wants to destroy human life—where God's image and inscription is found—before it even is brought into the world. Additionally, we can do something that the devil cannot do: bring new life into the world (as co-creators with God), and because of that, the devil wants to destroy that new life. Throughout history and throughout many cultures and civilizations, children have been sacrificed to the gods of success and prosperity, which continues today—this is the work of the devil. While we must resist attacks on human life, abortion rises above the others as an evil to be resisted and fought against fiercely. Again, if we don't get this right, we won't get other things right.
With all of this being said, there are women (and men) who have been in the difficult and agonizing position of having an abortion. From me, there is no judgment, and you are in my prayers. More importantly, from God, there is healing and mercy to be found. There is no sin too great for the mercy of God, as Jesus told St. Faustina in revealing His Divine Mercy that our sins are but a drop in the infinite ocean of His mercy. If you are seeking healing and forgiveness, you can find it and receive it from Jesus Christ, particularly and powerfully in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and I urge you to encounter the Divine Mercy in Confession.
As we celebrate All Saints Day, we are reminded that we are all saints under construction, working to protect human persons and working to promote a culture of life. Have a great week!
In Christ,
Fr. Matt