On the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Celebrate the Craziness of Life

Today we recount the story of Herod, a man who had no problem with killing others because he perceived them a threat to his throne. He put to death his own children for this reason, and we hear today from the Gospel of Luke he ordered the death of a whole town’s population of boys under the age of two:

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.  (Matthew 2:13-18)

Yes, there was much lamenting that night in Bethlehem. The loss of the life of an innocent child is a heartbreak to the parents. Yet, as a society, are we failing to protect them? Particularly those in the womb? We allow a mother to end the life of her own child on demand, and the number of children who are no more is approaching 57 million in the United States since 1973; and 40 million in the world this year alone.

On this day we commemorate the Holy Innocents who lost their lives at the whim of one man who saw a threat to his reign in the fulfillment of foretold prophecy of the Messiah (Jesus Christ). In a way, we are still killing the innocent because they are a perceived threat to our freedom; seen as a burden; we feel we are not prepared to nurture them; … the list goes on.

So, what are we to do? Let us begin by praying for the end of abortion, and if you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #PraytoEndAbortion. Let us remind each other that life is to be celebrated in its very messiness; and that in doing so, we will find joy.

Here is a great video that shows the pretty real messiness of being young parents, and what it means to embrace the craziness new life can bring. Enjoy.

May the Holy Innocents assist us to bring about an end to abortion, and embrace a culture of life. Amen.

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Fear Not…Divine Mercy is Here

I desire that the first Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy. 

(Diary # 299)

 

“Tell the whole world of My great Mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment.+Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My Mercy. +Oh, how much I am hurt by a soul’s distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness.Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness.My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.” 

(Diary # 300)

 

 

It’s the 3 o’clock hour the day before Divine Mercy Sunday, and I was just informed of yet another young person who chose to take his own life. I offer this post for him and his family, and for all those who have walked this path and found no way to endure the heavy cross.

I offer this post too for all those who battle on with thoughts of taking their own life. I pray for you daily, and ask my readers to pray for you too. The message of Jesus’ Divine Mercy is for you. Blessed John Paul II made a point of telling us, “Do not be afraid!…Fear not!” Often, depression is a fearful thing, and anyone ever been caught in an undertow might have a sense that, depression can leave one feeling there is no escape. What seems like the way to the surface and to relief, leaves one still struggling to find it. As overwhelming as it may seem, the wave will pass. Wait. Pray. Talk to someone until it does.

I’ll say it again. It is a cross. Jesus endured six hours on the Cross. In moments, we too must stay close to Him in his suffering, until the light of Easter and Resurrection come. It. Will. Come.

The following song is one of my favorite #RoadRosary songs, that I often turn to when I travel alone. During its soothing melody, I pour out my prayers for those who request intercession. Today, it is for all those heavily burdened. Let us give our burdens to Jesus.

Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday everyone!

Related Posts:

Never Despair in God’s Mercy

Thomas L. McDonald at God and the Machine wrote, “There are some taking to social networks to say Matthew Warren’s final act dooms him to Hell. I prefer the question of Hans Urs von Balthasar: Dare we hope that Hell is empty? Dare we hope that all are saved? Yes. We dare. We’re Christians…in which we recognize the pure power of God’s infinite mercy. We trust the soul of a troubled young man to a merciful God..”

Walk for Life West Coast 2013

As reported (under the radar), the Walk for Life West Coast grew from last year’s attendance, topping the 50,000 mark. It was an incredibly beautiful, sunny day, and although the wind was pretty cold, we were so thankful (especially after seeing our brothers and sisters in DC braving below freezing temperatures the day before!).

I attended the walk for the third year running now, and I never tire of meeting the people at this peaceful demonstration for life. Looking at the pictures, it amazes me to see the diversity. Young and old. Healthy and frail. People of every culture and skin color. Most of them God-fearing, and all of them brought together for the sake of the unborn and their mothers.

Here are a few pictures I managed to take during the day.

Taken around 11:00am, with still an hour and a half to wait before the rally began. The ‘Abortion Hurts Women’ sign was the backdrop for the stage.  

Here’s some early arrivals with their own handmade signs. Young families were everywhere…lots of strollers and wagons!

By 12:30, the crowd was pretty substantial, much more dense. Joyful anticipation in the air as the rally got underway!

At the rally, we were graced with the presence of Papal Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò who came to pray with us, and relayed a message from Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, stating the walk witnessed to the “moral imperative of upholding the inviolable dignity of each member of our human family, especially the smallest and most defenseless of our brothers and sisters.”

People are ready to march with their messages in hand.

There were seven speakers at the rally, each giving inspiring testimony to their pro-life values. At the close of the rally, walkers readied their signs and quickly made their way to the McAllister and Market Streets.

The Walk begins, armed with signs and prayer.

This was a group of citizens, just as diverse in ethnicity as in various ages.

Both young and golden years, walking together.

One of the youngest marchers armed with a ‘Life’ Balloon!

One of many Church groups represented, this one taking a picture at the END of the walk…lots of happy faces.

Of course, there were some groups protesting alongside the marchers, occasionally yelling out their position for having abortion on demand, sterilization and contraception freely available. The pro-life marchers would simply drown out the opposition by shouting out ‘pro-life’ over and over again.

Between the two groups, one distinction was clear. If one wanted to measure the difference between the pro-life movement and the pro-abortion, one didn’t have to look too hard to find it.

Peace. Joy. Love. Kindness. Forbearance. Faithfulness. Self-Control.

It was evident everywhere in the attitude of the marchers for life. And there is no law that can be made to take that away.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” 

Galatians 5:22-33

Special thanks to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Sacramento, for letting me tag along for the day!

And a special thank you to Matt Cassens at St Blogustine for asking if I’d be posting on the Walk this year. He posted too on the DC Event.

—

Others who blogged about this:

Walk for Life West Coast Blog

Live Action News

LifeSiteNews

Not Given a Chance

Working in parish ministries of catechesis, my Sisters and I often encounter laity who are walking (it seems) on a tightrope of faith, risking the fall into a waiting social climate that is unforgiving. Often, we are at the receiving end of the stories as we work to encourage others in their journey of faith, and many times find no words of consolation to give, but only to stand with them in their struggle or pain. Sr Jenny recently received a heartbreaking letter from “Francis”, who shares a recent experience of a friend, and a request for prayer (reprinted here with permission):

My friends, last night someone close to me who works in a labor and delivery unit informed me she had to dress and clean a dying survivor of an abortion. The patient was told by her doctors that her unborn child would have a low survival rate and took the doctor’s recommendation to abort her child. The child was then given a poison while in the womb and was expected to be a still born. However when the child was delivered the baby was found to be still alive but dying. My friend was then asked to take the now born dying baby to have the baby’s foot prints taken, cleaned, and dressed as his little heart grew weaker and the baby gasped for air. While the child was dying she was also told to prepare both a birth and death certificate. Finally once completed, she then proceeded to pray over the dying child as the baby’s soul departed this world.

First please pray for the poor soul that was murdered and left to die (after birth) last night. Please pray for my friend who is now traumatized from having to witness and be involved in this act last night. Please pray for the mother that she come to repent for her actions but also find consolation from the void she now has. Please pray for the doctors and medical staff that recommended and performed this mortal sin. Finally please pay for me as well so that my wife and I will have the strength to comfort our dear friend.

– – –

There are many unanswered questions that rise up in my mind, and make me realize how much work is yet to be done for the protection of the unborn.

Is it possible that hospitals are still performing abortions today? The letter suggests as much. Was the mother counselled as to other options? We don’t know. Did the mother experience trauma, when she learned her child was not dead but dying?  The baby was pretty far along for it to be a live birth after given lethal doses of ‘poison’ (perhaps saline injection, often used with babies more than 16 weeks old).   Would the baby have survived if allowed to grow a little more in her mother’s womb? The birth and death certificate. The child was left to die with no medical assistance, other than to be cleaned and foot-printed, perhaps held by the assistant until death took her.

Who is to blame? The doctor? The consenting mother? The assistant helping in delivery that day? A society that has lessened the life of this little soul for reasons we don’t know?

Let us pray for all those involved in this case of abortion, and for all the others affected each day by abortion in our country and in the world. May our Lord open hearts to the truth of this terrible sin against life, and give us courage to continue to win the fight in protecting these little ones.

This little soul wasn’t even given a chance, but was written off before she had wings to even try. Let us remind us of the miracle of life taking place in the womb, and pray for the day when a little girl will not be aborted and left to die.

How Did This All Begin?

Life. Science is helping us to understand and marvel at the intricacies of the unborn child as it develops in the safe harbor of the womb. Eyes are being opened to see the humanity of it, and desire to protect its well being.

Yet, the battle for life of the voiceless of our society continues.

Over at Live-Action News, Cassy Fiano describes a recent episode of Dr. Phil, looking at the desire of one mother, Annette Corriveau, who wants to end the life of her two disabled adult children (hat-tip, Andrew and Christina, blogging at Caffe con Leche).

Corriveau is not, of course, the first parent to think of ending the life of her child outside the womb. Cassy reminds us of the case of Robert Latimer, who took the life of his daughter by leaving her in the cab of his truck and let her die of carbon monoxide poisoning. She was 13 years old and had cerebral palsy.

What stuck me the hardest about the Dr Phil show, beyond how inconceivable it is that a parent would want to kill their child, was the reaction of the audience. When asked by Dr Phil if they agreed with Corriveau and her desire to kill her two children, the large majority of the audience raised their hands.

My first thought when I heard this story was, at what point do we draw the line? If the popular vote to kill two adults just because their mom decides they would be better off, who is safe? What is the measure of value of a person’s life? And who is capable of making that decision?

If our society makes it a regularity to agree with the viewpoint of Corriveau and the audience of Dr. Phil, let us not be surprised to find a growing language siding against Christian principles in the debate, such as:

(Let us not be led astray by the) exaggerated Christian compassion for the weak individual…Christian caritas or charity, and of the Church’s “commandment to attend to the incurably ill person and render him medical aid unto his death.”, instead of tending to the health of the group…“the ill-conceived ‘love of thy neighbor’ has to disappear …. It is the supreme duty of the … state to grant life and livelihood only to the healthy and hereditarily sound portion of the population…” (taken from Ramm, Ätztliche Standeskunde [24], p. 19, quoted from “The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide, pg. 32)

A thread of such thought has been present throughout the history of civilization, and at times grew without any check and balance. This lack of balance led to atrocities against humanity. The natural law has always provided the necessary balance. This balance is lost when life is measured as a commodity, valued only for what it gives back to society, when the innate understanding that killing another human being is suppressed. There is no longer a measure to the fair treatment of peoples. Where does it end?

Another question to ask is, How did this all begin? 

This is the very question asked during the Nuremberg trials by a convicted Nazi doctor. The American judge answered,

“When you first considered there were human beings not worth living.”

(Quote taken from Mercy Killing: History and Medicine, p. 470)

—

Other posts on this topic:

Here’s one written by Mark Pickup, from the perspective of disabled man.

Be sure to read the reply by Chelsea Zimmerman who blogs at Reflections of a Paralytic

And, a humbling reminder to us, that the choice of a loving parent is never an easy thing to do. Who has the answers?

This is a older column by Chelsea, but gets to the heart of this issue, questioning the value of human suffering.

Urgent Prayer Request

All of us over at Ignitum Today have been praying fervently for fellow bloggers Andrew and Christina Pocta who have been going through a very difficult time. A few months after their wedding in October, they joyfully found out they were going to be new parents.

Their joy has taken a curveball; their little girl Maria Isabella was diagnosed with Spina Bifida.

Since then, Christina and Maria Isabella have gone through surgery to correct the problem, but now is the time when healing must take place, and to pray that Christina can carry the baby to term. The doctors say this is the most critical time (even more than the surgery itself!). Andrew and Christina are in even more need of our prayers for their little girl.

Please join me in continuing to pray for the Pocta family. Let us pray through the intercession of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, who is quickly being referred to as the Patroness for the unborn, and whose sister Virginia is a Canossian Sister (my Institute):

God our Father we praise You and we bless you because in Saint Gianna Beretta Molla you have given us one who witnessed to the Gospel as a young women, as a wife, as a mother, and as a doctor. We thank you because through the gift of her life we can learn to welcome and honor every human person.

You, Lord Jesus, were for Gianna a splendid example. She learned to recognize you in the beauty of nature. As she was questioning her choice of vocation she went in search of you and the best way to serve you. Through her married love she became a sign of your love for the Church and for humanity.  Like you, the Good Samaritan, she cared for everyone who was sick, small or weak. Following your example, out of love she gave herself entirely, generating new life.

Holy Spirit, Source of every perfection, give us wisdom, intelligence, and courage so that, following the example of Saint Gianna and through her intercession, we may know how to place ourselves at the service of each person we meet in our personal, family and professional lives, and thus grow in love and holiness.

Amen.

For updates, you can read their blog, Cafe con Leche. God bless you!

How did We Get Here?

When walking in the woods, there is an amount of certainty when there is a worn path under our feet. That assurance lets us venture deeper into the wilderness with confidence we will arrive at our destination, so long as we stay on the path.

At first, we follow diligently, with healthy caution to guide us. But as we go along we find ourselves more at ease, and take a few steps off the path to inspect a little closer one thing or another. Our caution stays with us, prudently keeping the path in view, so not to lose our orientation.

With time though, we venture off a little bit more saying to ourselves, “oh, I can always return to the safety of the path and continue on my way when I want.”

But then, something goes wrong.

Without realizing it, we get a little too far away…

Click here to read the rest at Ignitum Today.

 

Look at the Happy People!

As thousands take to the streets in Washington D.C. for the 39th annual March for Life, in protest to the the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision that allowed for 54 million abortions, President Obama released the following statement:

“As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue- no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”

Steven Ertelt and Elizabeth Scalia have some good insights on their posts regarding the president’s remarks.

On my post, Walk for Life West Coast 2012 in pictures, it is encouraging to see a so many people – especially a lot of young people – who too are seeking to ‘fulfill their dreams’ by coming out to stand by what they believe. And a comment hits home as to why the March for Life movement has been so effective:

“I have been at every west coast walk for life. Since I cannot walk the walk any more, I sat and watched those who did as they passed by on Larkin and turned down Market St.. A happier group of people I have never seen. Laughing, singing, praying, pushing strollers, wheelchairs. We are family. I wanted to call to negative passers-by, “hey! look at the happy people! Maybe you should check them out!” You are wonderful! A model of Goodness, Kindness, of Christ and His Blessed Mother.. God bless you all and Mary love you.”

Which brings up the stark contrast between the pro-life camp showing up in the thousands:

credit: Karl Mondon of Bay City News

and the pro-abortion camp that is, well, not in the thousands:

Justin Herman Plaza, SF, 11:19am || credit: Walk for Life West Coast Blog

But beyond the numbers the stark contrast comes with what the scriptures refer to the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Walking shoulder to shoulder down Market Street, despite the early morning chill still in the air, my heart was warm, to be in the presence of a joy and peacefulness that filled the air. It was almost intoxicating, to the point the small bands of protesters we passed by were hardly noticed.

The evidence of these ‘fruits’ in one’s life, points to the presence of the Holy Spirit working in him.  Where we see the fruits manifested, God’s presence is there.

May the Lord bless each person who took a stand for life in all its stages, from the San Francisco Bay to the Washington Mall. May their voice continue to resound through the whole world, and may God be with them, that they will continue to reflect joy to the world.

A Day of Penance and Prayer

“The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus’ message. Lovingly received day after day by the Church, it is to be preached with dauntless fidelity as “good news” to the people of every age and culture.”
– Bl. John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 1

“The bishops of the United States have designated today as a day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life.”

In keeping with having today a Day of Prayer and Penance, what can we do?

– Go to Mass
– Peacefully praying outside of an abortion clinic
– Fasting
– Praying a rosary or chaplet for the unborn
– Praying for those who have been wounded by abortion
– Visiting and praying before the Blessed Sacrament
– Reading and reflecting on Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae in full
– Becoming involved with a pro-life group
– Write about, or share posts on the issues of life, and post it to your blog,
facebook and/or twitter

What are you doing today, to witness to the gift of life?

Mother and Child, Both are Important

This year’s theme – abortion hurts women – was visible across the backdrop of the main stage of this year’s Walk for Life West Coast. This theme was put into proper context by Father Frank Pavone, at a pre-address at a side-stage before the Walk for Life West Coast got underway:

Text:

“We are the ones who are pro-woman. We are the ones who stand, not just for the baby, but rather who say to society, “Why can’t we love them both?”

The difference my friends between those who, we will meet some of them today, who advocate for legal abortion, and us who advocate for life, is not the difference they want the mother to think it is. They want the public to think that we stand for the babies, and they stand for women. But that’s not the difference between the two sides.

The difference between the two sides in this monumental struggle, in our nation and in our world today, is they think that you can separate the mother from child and we say you can’t.

You cannot love one without loving the other.
You cannot protect one without protecting the other.
and you cannot harm one without harming the other.”

—

Pictures from this years Walk for Life West Coast, 2012, including one with me with Fr Pavone. enjoy!

Walk for Life West Coast 2012 in Pictures

January 22 is the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision to make abortion legal in the United States, and this weekend marks that anniversary with the annual March for Life Convention in Washington D.C., concluding tomorrow with the 39th Annual March for Life on the National Mall. Events are taking place all over the country this weekend, to be in solidarity with the voices being heard in Washington.

Saturday, I was privileged to participate in the Walk for Life – West Coast, arriving on bus number 32 (out of more than 200 buses reported!) in San Francisco. As Our Lady of Lourdes Parishioners began getting off the buses to assemble the signs for the rally and walk, the sky threatened rain with a light drizzle that kept on for half-an-hour, but it could not dampen our spirits, and in the end, the Lord gave us a beautiful sunny day to testify to Life!

While waiting for the events to get underway, I decided to walk around and capture some of the signs I liked:

Unity in diversity was a sub-theme of the day:

My new friend London

and our very own Bella - Babies are Hipsters too!

One of my favorites - "Yeah Babies"

And some ‘stars’ were on the scene to encourage us:

Our own Bishop of Sacramento Diocese, Rev. Jaime Soto, seen here with our youth of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Father Frank Pavone happened to be waiting at a crosswalk with us for the light to change.

And, lots and lots of people out there to support both the mother and the child.

The day was a successful one, with some reports of over 50,000 coming into San Francisco for the walk.

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of Roe vs Wade. As one of the speakers said, ’40 years is significant in the Scriptures. Drastic shifts happen.’

Let us pray that this year begins the ‘drastic shift’ back to a culture that embraces life in all its stages.

—

Update: St. Blogustine has A great collection of photos from the March for Life – Washington DC

The Anchoress posted many great blog posts on the sanctity of life.

Walking for Life is Fun!!!

This past Saturday was the day of the Northern California Pro-Life Walk-a-thon. I drove down to Elk Grove Park with Our Lady of Lourdes Parishioners, Soraya and her mother Ana, to lend our support (and stretch our legs) in the 3.6 mile walk. All the proceeds for the day went to help fund five crisis pregnancy centers in the Sacramento Diocese. One of my favorite parts of the walk were the very awesome and enthusiastic junior high schoolers from St Joseph’s Parish in Elk Grove, who made us feel like hero-marathoners every time we passed the water and cup-cake table!

THANKS SO MUCH for the smiles and joy you brought to all of us!

And of course, all of the smiles and walking and encouragement was for one purpose; so that little ones will have a chance to take hold of life and run with it, like this little walker does!.

A little walker and her family :-)

A Big THANK YOU also goes out to all of my sponsors for the walk-a-thon. There are a few donations still coming in, and I think we (you and I) will just break $1,000 to help out those CPC’s! Put that together with the numerous priests of the diocese who also hit the trail, we can rejoice!

Next year, it will be even better, I am sure. May our Lord bless each of you, as we continue to work to defend life in all its stages.

Next Event: Walk for Life West Coast, in San Francisco on Saturday, January 21st, 2012. For more information, check out the website. I’ve already reserved my space on one of the many buses coming from Sacramento, CA for the event. Are you coming? Let me know! I’d love to meet you!

Walking for Life – Update

I posted a while back that I would be walking, to raise money for five crisis pregnancy centers in Sacramento Diocese. That walk is just two weeks away!

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Dunning, the host of the Bishop’s Hour on Immaculate Heart Radio to talk about the walk-a-thon. It was my first time on radio, so I didn’t know what to expect.

So, come listen and let me know what you think:

Bob and I, talking about the walk and prolife issues.

Here’s how you can help us to help women who find themselves in crisis pregnancy:

 

1. Pray for the women in need of assistance.
2. Pray for success of the Walk.
3. Ask the Lord how you can contribute.
4. Go to this site.

• On the pull-down menu, select “I want to sponsor a walker in the walkathon.” Click to proceed.
• Scroll down, fill in the necessary information.
• Choose which of the five crisis pregnancy centers you wish your donation to support (you can learn about the centers at below links).
• Choose the ‘name of the person you wish to sponsor’ (I am listed as ‘Sister Doty, Lisa Marie – Sacramento’) [Hint, hint :-) ]
• List amount you plan on sponsoring me for.
• Click proceed, and follow the rest of the steps (you will be referred to the corresponding donation page for the CPC you chose, to complete your transaction), OR
• If you would rather sponsor a walker by check, make your pledge at the site above, and instead of continuing when you are referred for payment, please make it payable to: Catholics for Life. Include a note containing the name of the walker you wish to sponsor and the name of the CPC to which you wish to donate the funds.  Mail it to: Catholics for Life, P. O. Box 156, Carmichael, Ca. 95608.

If each visitor donates one dollar, that’ll be a tremendous help!

For more information about the walk, go to the Walk-a-thon website. Or, read the flyer here.

God bless you!

Do the Math – A Look at Generational Effects of Abortion

Jenn Giroux wrote a reflection on the generational effects of  ‘just one abortion’:

“We do not often think about the generational effect of ‘just one abortion’. The taking of one single life wipes out the countless souls who would have followed in all generations to come.

Look at your own Father and do the math.”

So, looking at my own ancestry, I did the math.

My Paternal Grandfather: 1

His Children :  2

His GrandChildren: 11

His Great-Grandchildren: 14

His Great-Great Grandchildren to date: 9

Total lives lost to date if my Grandfather had been aborted: 37

___

How many would the effect be in your family?

___

Related:

Ranking the Saints, and a response to the question of infant mortality.

 

 

Pro-Life Quote: Taking Chances

I was talking with teenagers on the sin of abortion. One of the students said that she supported abortion because babies born to young mothers are more likely to have birth defects or diseases, and many of them will live in poverty. Thus it is best if they are aborted. I responded,

“Don’t you think that death is a strange therapy? What if you went to the doctor and he said to you, ‘You are obviously alive now, but someday, in the future you might loose a limb, or get sick, or you might loose your job and have to go on welfare, so I am going to kill you right now, here in my office.’  What do you think of this? Isn’t death a horrible and strange therapy? You would probably respond that you would like to live and take your chances.”

— Msgr. Charles Pope, Death is No Therapy at All…