First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Thus says the LORD: You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, he does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Every year in October, our Church respects the pro-life values of our faith by recognizing the month of October as respect-life month. I look back to 9 years ago when I was first ordained a priest. I have celebrated Respect life month each of those years. Respect-life month was important to me while I was in seminary and when I was first ordained as a priest. But since the erosion of a strong voice advocating for a respect for life in our society, this message seems to be even more important today. Our Church's message becomes all the more important. The theme this year as chosen by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is: “Be Not Afraid.” What a great theme in this age of divisiveness and uncertainty. We are called to trust and follow God in our lives of faith, especially in difficult times, especially when our values of faith seem to collide with the values of the secular world. Ezekiel presents the anguished cry of one who struggles with God’s commandments and laws, saying that God’s ways are unfair. All of us can feel that way at certain times, can't we? It is challenging for us to correctly form our consciences when it is a struggle and a hardship to do what is right and to follow the truth in our modern world. It is often difficult and stressful for us to try to follow what the Church teaches, to reach out to others when they are confronted with temptations that go against God’s love for us. Caring for the earth, access to adequate medical care, caring for those suffering at the end of their lives, fighting against racism and discrimination, just labor laws, protecting the unborn and the vulnerable, speaking out against bullying, means to receive a good quality education: all these are part of our Church’s teachings on the respect and dignity of human life that we proclaim in Christ’s Good News. We invite all of you to commemorate Respect Life month with us in the month of October
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