Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Easter Message Gives Hope for a Culture of Life

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Dear HLI Family,

Last Saturday, I had the humble privilege of standing alongside fellow pro-lifers as we gave witness to the Gospel of Life in front of Bloomington Health Center, a Planned Parenthood abortion mill in downtown Chicago. This particular mill is one of the most active in the city, and this day saw no shortage of clients. As we stood there praying, I found myself thinking of the millions of innocent children lost at the hands of the industry of death and its advocates. My heart was heavy as I reflected upon the struggle for life and I could see the shared sentiment upon the faces of those praying with me.

A few of us shared personal stories, and I thanked each participant for their faithful service to the Culture of Life and the powerful witness of love they offered. Many of these heroic disciples have courageously and faithfully stood for life in all types of weather, amidst acceptance and rejection. Though they serve without desire for acknowledgement, they and many like them across the world deserve our gratitude and our appreciation. One participant had been praying at abortion mills for over twenty-five years and vowed to continue until unable or until abortion is outlawed. All present joyfully shared his sentiments and offered the same pledge and commitment; however, one question has kept me thinking: "How long, Father, before we see an end to this great tragedy and have respect for life?"

We can recall in Psalms 13 and 14 the plea of the psalmist and the difficulties he faced. He too wondered how long, but within his lamentation was a deep and profound trust in the power of the Almighty. We can also keep in mind the words of Saint Paul, whose words of encouragement can strengthen us when we feel overwhelmed by the immensity of the forces arrayed against life: "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Our strength comes from our trust in the One who can and will bring about victory, so our faith cannot be something merely emotional or secondary if it is what Pope Benedict XVI calls "performative" in our lives - if it is to truly motivate our action along with hope and love.

The days of Lent remind us of the sacrificial offering of Jesus, the innocent Lamb led to the slaughter, who laid down His life for us and all who would follow Him. He taught us to embrace the crosses of our life and not to be afraid. He taught us to let our light shine and never turn back once we have placed our hand upon the plow. We may confront an overwhelming foe as Moses and King David did, but we remember Pharaoh and Goliath's fate. By lifting a wooden staff, and with a single stone, two great and mighty forces were defeated. Our strength does not originate in our abilities alone but in the mighty power of God at work in us.

As we face the ever-growing obstacles of the Culture of Death and the powerful forces that support it, let us remember the heart of the Easter message and the power Our Lord offers us in His name. We do not know the day when life will once again be protected from conception until natural death, but we know that it will be. Supporters of the Culture of Death have money, power, political support, media endorsement and society's willingness to embrace an undisciplined sexual and hedonistic lifestyle; but we have the Truth, the Way and the Life. Easter testifies to the powerful Love that God gave to the world for its salvation. The enemies of Life will never win because God is a God of Life.

Let us continue to work for a Culture of Life and build an authentic civilization of Love. The message of Easter fills us with hope, courage and determination. The stone has been rolled back and the power of death has been destroyed forever. There is nothing to fear. Yes, we face obstacles that seem staggering, but we do not face them empty handed. We face them in the power and love, which is Jesus Christ. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. Love has conquered and will conquer.

I want to express my heartfelt admiration to all who are working for Life. I am humbled by your service to the Gospel and willingness to sacrifice for those who are unable to defend themselves. May the joy of this Easter fill your hearts with the peace that only Jesus can give, and may He strengthen your resolve.

A most blessed Easter to you and yours.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

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Father Shenan J. Boquet
President, Human Life International