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.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

9 Days For Life Novena: Day 7: For Married Couples Facing Infertility

DAY SEVEN: January 20, 2019

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Intercession

May those who long to welcome a child into their family be filled with trust in God’s loving plan.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

It can be very difficult and painful when the Lord doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we hope. A couple that finds themselves unable to bring a child into the world through their loving union can experience this disappointment very deeply. During such times of trial, we may wonder why we face the particular challenges that we do. Yet even though suffering is often shrouded in a sense of mystery, we believe that the Lord loves us with great tenderness and compassion that is beyond our imagination. Knowing this, we can trust that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)

Smile. Ask God today for the grace to be extra joyful and share Christ’s love with those who need encouragement the most today.

Offer the Prayer for Those Hoping to Conceive or Adopt a Child (www.bit.ly/prayer-day-4), and spend some time reflecting on the accompanying excerpt from Psalm 145.

Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further

“Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility” (www.usccb.org/navigating-infertility) seeks to provide compassionate guidance that is both practical and informative for married couples who are walking on this road. Although geared to such couples, the article is also helpful for anyone to read, offering insight into the experience of infertility and giving awareness of the need for sensitivity in our relationships with those who may be affected.

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NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Our Lady of Guadalupe mosaic: Decorates a side altar in the Church of Santa Maria della Famiglia at the Vatican. Dec. 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)