For me, today’s Gospel is one of the great Pro-Life passages from scripture. We heard today, John dancing and leaping in the womb of Elizabeth like David joyfully dancing before the Ark of the Covenant when he first encounters his unborn cousin, Jesus, only days old in the womb of Mother Mary.
John is a powerful pro-life model for John recognizes that Jesus was truly human from the moment of his conception. Some might claim that it is “above their paygrade” when human life exists. But Scripture and modern science show that human life begins at conception. And we therefore have a duty to reverence it, to protect it, to rejoice over it.
Mary, too, is a powerful pro-life figure. For even with the great burdens she now faced, she goes in haste, to help the pregnant, elderly, Elizabeth. Mary is a pro-life model for us all, showing us that we even with all the burdens we face, we are all to have a special care for pregnant mothers, especially pregnant mothers in difficult circumstances. We are to devote to them our time, talent, and treasure in helping them nurture and bring-forth life.
Mary would also stay with Elizabeth until the birth her baby, accompanying her through childbirth, and through those difficult days as a first-time mother. Mary reminds us to have a special care for mothers and children throughout pregnancy and afterwards as well.
I reflect on the pro-life dimension of this scripture in light of the terribly sad news of Ireland’s vote to overturn its pro-life laws. Only one in three citizens of Ireland voted to protect life. The other two-thirds join the many Americans who see abortion as a solution, as a way of empowering women, as a way to riches and happiness.
But as St. Theresa of Calcutta often taught, “It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you live as you wish… The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. The mother doesn't learn to love, but kills to solve her own problems. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.”
May the heavenly intercession of St. John, St. Elizabeth, and Holy Mary help restore reverence and care for human life, especially the protection of the unborn. May they help us witness to the Gospel of Life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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That the leaders and members of the Church my fulfill with joy their calling to proclaim, celebrate, and serve the Gospel of Life.
That God may protect all unborn babies, and keep them safe from the scourge of abortion, and for the safety and welfare of all pregnant mothers, and that all mothers and fathers will know the assistance of the Christian Church in nurturing and raising their children.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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