“For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
"However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children (Deuteronomy 4:7-9).”
Today, the Catholic Bishops of the United States have declared this a day of penance for sins against the dignity of human life – especially, but not exclusively – abortion. We have, as a nation, repented social sins before: slavery, racial discrimination, the oppression of women, abuse of the immigrant, and, more recently, the torture of human beings. As human beings we fail, often, to recognize GOD in one another. Sometimes, we just forget GOD altogether, and then we think we are GOD. Perhaps our values get skewed by efforts to sanctify one over the other. How can “freedom” trump “life”? How can one human being’s choice be more important than another human being? Made in the image and likeness of our GOD, our true freedom comes from an inherent dignity. That dignity must be protected and preserved if we are to be the great nation we long to be.
It has been 36 years since our highest court made abortion a legal option. Each year, without fail, tens of thousands of people gather in Washington to “March for Life.” As our nation begins a new chapter – welcomes with hope a new administration – it would seem the moment to begin a vital, albeit difficult, conversation. Now is the moment to gather the finest minds of science, medicine, social work and ethics with theologians of every faith tradition for a national conversation on abortion. I pray that President Obama initiates such a dialogue and listens with the ear of his heart (Rule of Benedict, Prologue 1). Sometimes, we as Americans do forget GOD. It is time to for us to remember.
“…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).”
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
"However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children (Deuteronomy 4:7-9).”
Today, the Catholic Bishops of the United States have declared this a day of penance for sins against the dignity of human life – especially, but not exclusively – abortion. We have, as a nation, repented social sins before: slavery, racial discrimination, the oppression of women, abuse of the immigrant, and, more recently, the torture of human beings. As human beings we fail, often, to recognize GOD in one another. Sometimes, we just forget GOD altogether, and then we think we are GOD. Perhaps our values get skewed by efforts to sanctify one over the other. How can “freedom” trump “life”? How can one human being’s choice be more important than another human being? Made in the image and likeness of our GOD, our true freedom comes from an inherent dignity. That dignity must be protected and preserved if we are to be the great nation we long to be.
It has been 36 years since our highest court made abortion a legal option. Each year, without fail, tens of thousands of people gather in Washington to “March for Life.” As our nation begins a new chapter – welcomes with hope a new administration – it would seem the moment to begin a vital, albeit difficult, conversation. Now is the moment to gather the finest minds of science, medicine, social work and ethics with theologians of every faith tradition for a national conversation on abortion. I pray that President Obama initiates such a dialogue and listens with the ear of his heart (Rule of Benedict, Prologue 1). Sometimes, we as Americans do forget GOD. It is time to for us to remember.
“…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).”
Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
