Dear Friends,
October is dedicated as Respect Life month. This month is an opportunity to “consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death.” The US Bishops invite us to reflect and ponder on some very elemental and profound truths. Of course, there are some who try to say that respect for human life is a religious principle or tenet of faith and therefore cannot be imposed on others. This is blatantly an untenable position as respecting human life is derived from an understanding natural law which faith then strengthens with revelation.
The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the USCCB (Conference of Catholic Bishops) offers these thoughts for our reflection: “Our Blessed Mother models a profound witness to love and life in the Gospel account of the Visitation. Luke’s Gospel tells us that, when Mary learns that her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant, she travels to the hill country “in haste” (Lk 1:39). Despite being unexpectedly pregnant herself, Mary responds to this news with urgency.
She embarks on a long and perhaps difficult journey to be with her cousin during her time of need, bearing Christ to her as He lay quietly hidden in Mary’s womb. And, although Jesus is veiled from view, when Mary first arrives John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, recognizing the presence of Christ (Lk 1:44). Mary, with Jesus, spends the next three months at Elizabeth’s side.
The witness of our Blessed Mother invites us to become more aware of the needs of pregnant and parenting moms in our own parishes and communities. A woman with an unexpected pregnancy may have any number of fears and challenges: facing judgment from her friends and family, losing her job or housing, or being abandoned by the father of her child.
Following Mary’s example, we can ask ourselves how to better know these mothers, listen to them, seek understanding, and help them obtain the necessities of life for themselves and their children.[1] How can we, like the Blessed Mother, lovingly support mothers in welcoming and caring for God’s gift of life?
Throughout the whole of Scripture, Mary’s words are few. Yet, in her sacred encounter with Elizabeth, a powerful declaration pours from her lips. Mary proclaims to all generations that the Lord lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry with good things, and remembers his promise of mercy from age to age (Lk 1:46-56). In both word and deed, Mary speaks a message of hope—not only to Elizabeth, but also to every mother in need and to each of us.
Mary’s witness is an invitation to step out in love and compassion. It is a summons to make haste to help vulnerable women who may be isolated and alone. By doing so, we too can bear Christ within us and help others experience His presence.
Inspired by the Blessed Mother’s example and guided by the Holy Spirit, may we offer Christ’s presence and love to mothers in their time of need through our faithful service and support.”
While the recent Supreme Court decision is a huge victory on a constitutional level for human life in our country, there remains the many states and the many more hearts and minds of individuals that must be won to a deeper understanding of the meaning and reality that every human life is God-given and deserves full respect and protection. May our prayers and our efforts be united in helping mothers and children, especially those in need.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
