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, October 14, 2023

Day 2 of Respect Life Month Novena

Preborn Children

en español

DAY 2

INTERCESSION

May every child in his or her mother’s womb be protected in law and welcomed in love.

PRAYERS

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

REFLECTION

Scripture tells us that God fashioned human life in His image and likeness as the crown of all creation—but He didn’t stop there. His love for us was so great that He became human, further elevating the dignity of our humanity. Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, like each one of us, grew and developed as a preborn child beneath the shelter of His mother’s heart. This simultaneously reveals the undeniable humanity of preborn children and the intrinsic value of all human life.

Abortion tragically rejects these truths, ending the life of a child and harming those involved in a variety of ways. Like the Blessed Mother, we are called to welcome, protect, and nurture the gift of new life from its first and most fragile moments. Following Jesus means caring for and protecting those who are most vulnerable and helping others to do the same. May each of us work to ensure life is protected and cherished in our laws and in our hearts.

ACTS OF REPARATION (Choose one.)

Disconnect for the day. Use your phone only for essential tasks and communication. Silence or mute notifications and alerts from apps, social media, and all unnecessary distractions. Allow God to speak to you in the silence.

Read and meditate on Psalm 139. Reflect on God’s particular and perfect love for you. Consider the incomprehensible dignity of every human life and how God is calling you to protect it.
Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

ONE STEP FURTHER

Jesus calls us to follow Him and live according to His teachings in every aspect of our lives, including our civic engagement. We must support life not only in our hearts, but also through our actions. Learn more about important considerations for Catholics in “Priorities at the Polls.”

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