Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
On this day, the anniversary of the court decision of Roe vs. Wade, we pause to pray for the legal protection of unborn children. The opening refrain of the liturgy is the desolate cry of the unborn child: “For the sake of your name, O Lord, give me life” Cf. Ps 143:11. The first reading today from 2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27, is an account of David’s grief at the death of his “beloved and cherished” friend, Jonathan. It is a heart-rending account of the senseless loss of life. In the responsorial refrain, we hear King David turn to the Shepherd of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim, to him who is the very source of life: “Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved” (Ps 80:4b). The Gospel from Mark 3:20-21 is a continuation of yesterday’s narrative of the crowds from all parts of the country pressing in upon Jesus for healing, for wholeness, for life.
We hear the sad response of Jesus’ relatives who fail to grasp the fact that their kinsman is the very wellspring of life: “He is out of his mind.” Let us join the crowds who fell before the shepherd of Israel seeking life and pray in the communion antiphon: With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light, we see light” Ps 36:10.
Prayer for Today: O Loving Shepherd, Fount of Life, rouse your power and come to help us. Defend your little ones that they may be granted the freedom to live out the fullness of their days from the beginning of their life in the womb to the day of their natural death.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections