Next week we honor the millions of children slaughtered needlessly at the hands of abortionists. It’;s the perfect time to remember the importance of actions and the necessity of speaking for those who have been silenced. And, as we look around us at the March and in our homes, may we be energized by the faces and actions of those who dedicate their lives to the sanctity of every human being.
Peace begins at home. But what happens when we willfully destroy the home and the people in it? As a society, we are in trouble, for there is a war being waged upon us. And if we don’t arm ourselves properly, we will lose this war. But the reality is that we will lose so much more than that.
We’ve heard a lot about excessive force lately. But, in reality, those who fight day in and day out for preborn babies know all too well another meaning of excessive force. We see each and every day the slaughter of countless babies, yet this lawful practice is allowed to continue. What can be worse than excessive force perpetrated upon the smallest and most innocent of all?
Caring for a sick or dying loved one is stressful and confusing in itself, but add the stressors of dealing with a doctor or hospital who may not have the patient’s best interests at heart, and it becomes even more traumatic. Questions abound and answers must be sought. But where to begin? Today’s commentary offers help and a light in the darkness.
One special family teaches us that all life is precious and that every child should be treasured and his life fought for. This example of parental love will warm your heart.
By Mark Davis Pickup
The following was previously published in the Western Catholic Reporter, for the Edmonton Archdiocese.
As we reflect on the freedom and independence our Founding Fathers fought so hard for, we must vow to continue to fight for those rights for life, for liberty so that we can live life as Our Lord wants us to.
When tragedy occurs, the tendency of most people is to ask, “Why?” We want to know why it happened and how it can be prevented in the future. These are certainly laudable goals. But maybe some reflection is needed as well reflection upon the values and morals in society and the changes that have taken place over the last several decades. Reflection upon the family, upon how we are raising our children, about the influences and the bombardment of immorality. If we are to effect change, we must first look here.
In order to effect change, we must act upon the words of mercy spoken by Christ and the successors of Peter. We must love and care for all of God’s children, with no exceptions, and we must teach others to do the same. If we do this, and help others do this as well, our society will hopefully move away from the culture of death in which it has become entrenched and move toward a culture of life.
On Sunday, history will be made as Pope Francis will canonize two new saints Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. This significant day is also a day to reflect upon their lives and to remember the contribution they made, not only to the Church, but to the world as well.
The beautiful words of Blessed John Paul II are to be celebrated, pondered, and understood. This holy man truly loved all of God’s children born and preborn and taught that this is how we must live our lives. His inspiring words guide us and teach us. Let us not misunderstand them.
Catholic bishops and clergy have a responsibility to not only make their voices heard, but to teach those of the Catholic faith how to use their own voices. This means that the clergy must instruct and teach regularly about Catholic tenets and doctrine, yet we do not see this. As we see a continuing moral decline in our country, we realize now more than ever that we need to hear a roar rather than a whimper.