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.

Friday, April 17, 2015

From USCCB: Praying for Life Year-Round: April 2015

Praying for Life Year-Round

April 2015

Intercession

May all persons with disabilities be welcomed, loved and respected as the gifts that they are.

Prayer

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Every person has innate dignity because we are all made in the image and likeness of God. In Genesis 1:31, we hear that "God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good." By this very declaration of the goodness of creation, our God-given dignity was affirmed, and nothing can diminish it or take it away.

All of us, including people with disabilities, are deeply loved by God. We can each offer our own joys, struggles, hopes, dreams, challenges and love to the world. We are called to love all people through our words and actions with the heart of Christ and to see and serve Christ in each person.

We pray that we--and all people--may recognize every person, especially those with disabilities, as gifts to be loved and cherished with gratitude.

Acts of Reparation (choose one)

Give a handwritten note to a loved one, co-worker, or friend thanking or appreciating them for their presence in your life.
Don't listen to music for a day. Use the silent moments to reflect on God, and open your heart to His Word.
Instead of looking down at your phone or ignoring people you see today, make sure to smile and greet those whom you pass. You never know what a smile or a "hello" can do for someone!

One Step Further

In an attempt to offer full disclosure, the prospects for an unborn child who has been diagnosed with a disability are often portrayed by medical specialists in a very gloomy light. Many specialists also urge parents to consider abortion, contributing to the fact that, according to some studies, ninety percent of unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted.

But all of our lives are cherished by God! See how Pope Francis sets the example for us all in this one minute video, and share it with your friends.

Image: A mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe decorates a side altar in the Church of Santa Maria della Famiglia at the Vatican. Dec. 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring).

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