DEACON FOR LIFE

Were there to be no support in the whole history of ethical and moral thought, were there no acknowledged confirmation from medical science, were the history of legal opinion to the contrary, we would still have to conclude on the basis of God's Holy Word that the unborn child is a person in the sight of God. He is protected by the sanctity of life graciously given to each individual by the Creator, Who alone places His image upon man and grants them any right to life which they have.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Praying for Life: Faith and Love in Marriage

Praying for Life: August 2016

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Intention

May married couples, encouraged by Our Lady's example, give witness to faith and love through their marriages.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Married couples are called to give witness to faith with love that is total, faithful, and fruitful, and therefore open to life. This love, though beautiful, is not easy.

But we can take courage from Our Lady’s faith. As Pope Francis reminded us last August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption, “Mary believes and proclaims that God does not leave his humble and poor children alone, but helps them with mercy, with care.”*

One wife and mother asks, “Is God trustworthy? For many of us, the idea of being open to children can be a scary prospect.” Find out why she shares later, “the next time we’re asked ‘Are you done?’ we can say, ‘We don't know yet. God's not finished working with us.’”

Acts of Reparation (choose one)

Spend some time in prayer, focusing upon one or more of the Scripture passages suggested in “Coffee & Conversation.” What is God saying to you?

Reflect: What are some life experiences when you took the more challenging road? What did God give you through those experiences?

Pray one decade of the Rosary, reflecting on the Second Luminous Mystery, the Wedding Feast at Cana (John 2:1-12). (Pro-life reflections for this mystery are available to guide your prayer.)

One Step Further

Read “Love, Sex, and Sterilization.” This article explores the Church’s beautiful teaching on love and sexuality, as it pertains to sterilization, with encouragement and an invitation to deeper relationships with God and with one’s spouse.

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available:

Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number: 888-456-HOPE(-4673) or visit

www.hopeafterabortion.org

USCCB | 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194