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.

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Day 7 of Respect Life Month Novena

en español

DAY 7

INTERCESSION

May healthcare always respect God’s design and protect His gift of human life.

PRAYERS

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

REFLECTION

Jesus’ care for those who were sick provided a model for all healthcare to follow. His healing mission wasn’t limited to physical afflictions. Rather, He reached “people at the deepest level of their existence,”¹ healing them in mind, body, and soul, calling them to new life in Him.

Healthcare professionals have been entrusted with “a special vocation to share in carrying forth God’s life-giving and healing work.”² The care they give must be in keeping with the well-being of the person in mind, body, and spirit³ and always have as its goal the protection of human life—never its destruction.

Yet in an age of rapid scientific and technological developments, as well as profound social change, this is not always the case. There are many instances in healthcare settings in which God’s design for the human person is violated. Abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, IVF, and contraception are just some examples among many. Authentic healthcare must always have as its goal the service and care of human life, and never its destruction.

ACTS OF REPARATION (Choose one.)

Sacrifice snacking today. Enjoy three small, simple meals but refrain from eating in between.

Offer this “Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe” for today’s intention.
Virgin of Guadalupe,
Patroness of unborn children,
we implore your intercession
for every child at risk of abortion.
Help expectant parents to welcome from God
the priceless gift of their child’s life.

Console parents who have lost that gift
through abortion,
and lead them to forgiveness and healing
through the Divine Mercy of your Son.

Teach us to cherish
and to care for family and friends
until God calls them home.
Help us never to see others as burdens.

Guide our public officials
to defend each and every human life
through just laws.
Inspire us all to bring our faith into public life,
to speak for those who have no voice.

We ask this in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ, who is Love and Mercy itself.
Amen.

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

ONE STEP FURTHER

When married couples have difficulty conceiving a child and turn to healthcare providers, they might be offered options that are not in keeping with Catholic teaching, like in vitro fertilization. Why do some reproductive technologies pose serious moral problems, while others respect God’s design and protect human life? Learn more in “Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility.” Additional reading: “Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology.”

1 Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Sixth Edition, p 6.

2 Ibid, p 7.

3 Ibid, p 13.

Excerpts from Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Sixth Edition © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Copyright © 2023, USCCB, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

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