One prayer at a time

Readings for Friday January 22, 2010

First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19


Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. (Mk 3:13-19)

Today is the anniversary of the landmark US Supreme Court Case Roe versus Wade. This case allowed women to seek an abortion for any reason, instead of just cases of rape and incest. The US Bishops have declared today as a National Day of Penance, a day in which we should make sacrifices and offer up prayers for those contemplating abortion and for an end to abortion in our world.

In today's first gospel we read of the calling of the twelve disciples. We see that Jesus chose each of these twelve men for a specific purpose, to build up the church and to spread the gospel message. These twelve men were chose to bring Christ to others who did not have hope, and to share the love of God with all those in this world. There is certainly no doubt that these twelve men chose by God made an impact in this world, and to think it is all because they were given the gift of life and the chance to live out their purpose.

Since the decision of Roe v. Wade, there have been about 1.3 million abortions each year. This is over a million each year who will not be able to live out the purpose that God has for them, to live the life that He wants them to have. On this day and all days, it is so important that we offer prayers and sacrifices for an end to abortion, for our political leaders to respect the dignity of the human person at all stages of life, and for those who are contemplating abortion, that they may come to know and recognize the beautiful life inside them that God knows and has a specific purpose for. We must also pray hard for our youth, that they may come to recognize and value their own dignity, so that they are not ever in a position to begin thinking about abortion.

There is no doubt that our world needs help, and each of us can make a significant contribution ... on prayer at a time.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for the many gifts in our life that you give to us. Lord, thank you for the gift of life, and for all that you bless us with. Lord, we ask for your help in ending abortion, this sin that hurts you so much. Lord, help us all to come to know and value life more in our world, please be with our political leaders and help guide them in their decisions to protect the health and dignity of the human person. Lord, please be with our youth, help them to realize the great gifts that they are and to make good decisions that respect their dignity and their bodies and to make choices that are pleasing to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.