22 January 2024 -homily for mass for the Prayer for legal protection of the unborn children - homily for Wednesday in the 2nd week in Ordinary Time - Mark 3:1-6

January 22 is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the day established by the Church of penance for abortion, has been formally named as the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” Even with the overturning of the Roe vs Wade decision, abortion remain legal in many states in our country. I remember for many years going down to the abortion clinic on State Street in the Fonderan neighborhood to pray for an an end to abortion. It is amazing to think that this clinic is now closed. 

We as Catholics are to be pro-life in many different ways, especially protecting human life that is most vulnerable and that cannot protect itself. We unite our prayers with Christian all around our country today, respecting the dignity of human life on its most basic level. 

Our Gospel today from St Mark has a quote from Jesus as he addresses the Pharisees, as they wonder if Jesus would cure the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” We are called to save life and to respect human life, which is the spirit of God’s law. In a way, that is what I see at the heart of our prison ministry and why I feel so drawn to that ministry, as the men and women in prison are very vulnerable in a lot of ways, and reaching out to them can have big affect on them and their family. 

Let us pray: Most precious Lord, you dwelt within the womb of your mother Mary, sanctifying the womb, and elevating the dignity of all human life. We pray today for the full legal protection of unborn children. We pray that every heart that supports abortion and does not support the protection of unborn human life be changed so as to experience the truth of our faith. We offer to you all our sufferings and sacrifices to help atone for every violation against human dignity committed through acts that defy the dignity of human life. We pray that you bring healing, hope, and freedom to all. Mother Mary, pray for us. Jesus, may we trust in you.