Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Today's Mass Readings

The Heart of the Matter

Today is a day of prayer for unborn children. God intended children to be born in love—real, sacrificial, unifying love. But when that real love is missing, misguided, or twisted, children are often conceived but not born into loving situations. It is sad to see a child abandoned, unloved, or unwanted.

Full legal protection may help, but we need to aim for the heart of the matter. How can we help couples—married or not—welcome their child into their home or someone else’s home where they will be loved and wanted?

Three things:

• We can learn and share the truth, beauty, and goodness of sex and family life. Husband, wife, and child together are an image of the Trinity, the triune nature of God. The family unit is a beautiful reflection of God in whose image we were made.
• We can educate young people on the solemn responsibility they have over their bodies and take seriously the consequences of sharing their bodies and thereby their souls. Sex is not just a physical act but also a spiritual one. As Scripture says in many places, “and the two shall become one flesh” (Gen 2:24; Mk 10:8; 1 Cor 6:16).
• Chastity is another solution, in one form or another. Abstinence is probably not a buzzword today. But it’s the stuff of saints. No wonder his disciples said, “It is easier not to marry.” Jesus said in reply, “not everyone can accept this” (see Mt 19:9-12). God called my brothers and me to lives of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom and singular devotion to the Lord. As a monk, I am “one” or “alone” as the word implies. It has been a sacrifice and a joy.

For Today: Think about and pray over your thoughts on our human dignity as a gift from God, both for the unborn and our sexuality. It deserves to be honored and cherished. 

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB