How did you do on the pro-life front?

As we approach the end of 2019, and we examine our consciences and take stock of our achievements and failures of the past year, now is perhaps a good time to see how we did on the pro-life front.

At the beginning of the year we shared with you some recommendations from Fr Frank Pavone, Director of the US-based Priests for Life, for promoting the cause of life.

Here’s that list again:

• Pray every day for an end to abortion
• Read at least one good book (from cover to cover!) on abortion
• Read and spread the testimonies of those who have had abortions
• Get to know those organisations, groups and agencies that can provide help for those who need alternatives to abortion and share that information with others
• Connect on social media with a pro-life group or organisation that corresponds with what you think is important
• Participate in some form of public witness against abortion
• Donate regularly to a pro-life group

How did we do? Can we tick off a few of them?

Maybe we’ve managed another good deed that wasn’t on that list.

Have we been able to help a young (or not so young) mother welcome her unplanned baby with joy? Made it easier for her to complete her education, acquire a skill, or keep her job? Maybe we were able to help her with supplies for the baby, or find somewhere to stay?

Perhaps we encouraged a young man to stand by his girlfriend and his baby; nurtured him into becoming a father; helped him to get on his feet, to face the situation with gumption, to put his trust in God.

If we haven’t done any of the above, we trust that we’ll do better next year!

We’ve washed and scrubbed and painted, changed the curtains, and ‘put away’ the house.

We’ve participated in the seasonal celebrations; we’ve resolved to forgive those who hurt us. And now we’re making that last-ditch effort to throw out some old things before the turn of the year.

Still, there’s that box in the corner of our heart that we haven’t tackled. What’s in that box? Guilt and shame about the abortion committed or encouraged 5, 10, 20 years ago?  Grief at the loss of motherhood, of fatherhood?

At this Christmas time, we’re reminded that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” (Jn 1:14) and that “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (Jn 3:17)

The King of kings and Lord of lords says to us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:29)

As we make our way into the new year, let us also embrace the words of Zephaniah (3:17): “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”

We wish all our readers a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled New Year!

A monthly column by the Emmanuel Community: 46 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook.Tel:628-1064; emmancommtt@gmail.com