In all the dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. The Mass "For Peace and Justice" (no. 22 of the "Masses for Various Needs") should be celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373
FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Sm 24:3-21 / Mk 3:13-19
HOMILY NOTES
- Today we commemorate the unborn, the most innocent and helpless of our brothers and sisters. The Lord cries out to us just as he did to David when asking him to spare the life of Saul. David heard the voice of God and realized that Saul was the Lord's anointed. If the Lord could plead on behalf of Saul, a sinful persecutor, how much greater are his pleas on behalf of the thousands of voiceless children brutally killed before their births every day in the United States.
- An innocent child is a human person created by God with a specific purpose in life. Every unborn boy and girl should be cherished, since each one has been created out of love.
- God knows each and every one of us by name; he has counted every hair on our heads and every minute of our lives. We must cherish all human beings, including the new children with which he blesses us.
- Today's psalm reads: "have mercy on me, God, have mercy." May the Lord have mercy on those who may never leave the womb alive; may the Lord have mercy on doctors who are destroying human lives; may he have mercy on all those who are misleading others into thinking that abortion is a legitimate expression of personal liberty. May the Lord teach us all to respect and cherish the gift of human life.
That every child may be given the opportunity to live in an environment of love and care;
We pray to the Lord:
That politicians and world leaders may guide society according to the principles of right reason, respecting the most fundamental and basic right of each person, which is to live;
We pray to the Lord:
That all parents may seek the good of their children, bringing them ever closer to God;
We pray to the Lord:
That any mother contemplating an abortion may realize the beautiful gift of new life and embrace her child with gratitude and joy, with the support of family and friends;
We pray to the Lord:
That women and men who have been scarred by abortion may turn away from the temptation of discouragement and despair, and find light and joy in the forgiveness of christ;
We pray to the Lord:
That all who defend life may find the necessary strength and courage to continue despite great challenges;
We pray to the Lord:
***God bless us one and all for the gift of life and to bear witness to defend it not just for 1 day or 1 month but every day till Our Lord calls us home to himself!
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