Protecting the Unborn

Three “Respect for Life” essays each week on the Sunday Readings. Click on tabs above to view.

John 10:1-10 is a passage in which Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. This can be related to the pro-life message and respect for life in the sense that just as a shepherd values and protects his sheep, we should value and protect the lives of the unborn. Jesus’ sacrifice for his sheep shows the ultimate respect for life, and we should follow his example by standing up for the millions of unborn lives that are lost each year due to abortion. As a society, we need to value and protect all life, from conception to natural death, just as the Good Shepherd values and protects his sheep.

In the context of the pro-life message, John 10:10 emphasizes the importance of protecting life from those who come to “steal, kill and destroy”. Abortion is a form of stealing life from the unborn, killing a life that has been created, and destroying the potential of that life to fulfill its purpose. As followers of Jesus, we are called to protect the vulnerable and defend those who cannot defend themselves, which includes the unborn.

The passage highlights the importance of discernment. The Good Shepherd is able to discern the voice of the true shepherd, and his sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. As Christians, we must also be discerning and able to recognize the truth in a world filled with falsehoods and deceptions. We must be able to discern the voice of God and stand up for the truth, even when it is unpopular or goes against the prevailing culture.

Furthermore, the Good Shepherd’s willingness to lay down his own life for his sheep highlights the sacrificial nature of love. This selflessness should inspire us to love and protect others, including the unborn, at all costs. In the fight for the protection of life, we should be willing to make sacrifices, just as the Good Shepherd did for his sheep.

This means advocating for policies that protect the rights of the unborn and providing support to mothers and families in need. It also means standing up against the culture of death that promotes abortion and euthanasia, and instead promoting a culture of life that values and protects all human life from conception to natural death.

In today’s society, the pro-life message is more important than ever, as we continue to see a growing disregard for the value of human life. As Christians, we must be committed to protecting and defending the sanctity of life, and standing up for the truth even in the face of opposition. John 10:1-10 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting life, discerning truth, and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Respect for Life, Sunday Readings, Catholic

Respect for Life, Sunday Readings, Catholic

Respect for Life, Sunday Readings, Catholic

Respect for Life, Sunday Readings, Catholic

Respect for Life, Sunday Readings, Catholic

Repent and Convert: A Pro-Life Message

Three “Respect for Life” essays each week on the Sunday Readings. Click on tabs above to read.

Acts 2:36-41 can also be related to the pro-life message and the culture of death in several ways. In this passage, Peter preaches to a large crowd on the day of Pentecost, and many of them are convicted of their sin and turn to Christ. This passage highlights the importance of repentance and conversion, which is a central part of the pro-life message. As Christians, we believe that all human life has value and dignity, and that even those who have been involved in abortion or other acts that devalue human life can repent and turn to Christ for forgiveness and healing.

Additionally, this passage emphasizes the importance of baptism and being added to the community of believers. As pro-life advocates, we must work to build a community that values and protects human life from conception to natural death. This means providing support and resources to women facing crisis pregnancies, advocating for policies that protect the rights of the unborn, and building a culture of life that values all human life.

Finally, this passage emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ with others and inviting them to join the community of believers. As pro-life advocates, we must also share the truth about the value of human life and the harms of abortion and other acts that devalue human life. We must invite others to join us in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and building a culture of life that values and protects all human life. In contrast, the culture of death promotes a message that devalues human life and promotes practices like abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. This message is contrary to the teachings of Christ and the value that we place on human life as Christians. As we see the culture of death gaining more acceptance in our society, it is more important than ever for us to stand up for the truth and promote a culture of life that values and protects all human life.

HOME | BLOG UPDATES

Life is Precious, Let’s Protect it Together

Three “Respect for Life” essays each week on the Sunday Readings. Click on tabs above to read.

1 Peter 2:20-25 speaks to the importance of suffering for doing good, following the example of Christ who did not retaliate or make threats but instead entrusted himself to God’s justice. It also speaks to the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross, bearing our sins in his body so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. This sacrifice is what allowed us to be healed and return to God as our Shepherd and Overseer.

In the context of the pro-life message and the culture of death, this passage can be related in a few ways. Firstly, it reminds us that suffering for doing good is commendable before God. This can be seen in the sacrifices made by those who promote the pro-life message, such as those who work in crisis pregnancy centers, those who adopt children, and those who speak out against abortion. They may face insults, threats, and other forms of suffering, but they continue to do good and follow the example of Christ.

Secondly, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross reminds us that all life has inherent value and must be protected. Christ’s sacrifice was made for all people, regardless of their age, race, gender, or any other factor. This means that every human life is valuable and worth protecting, from the moment of conception to natural death. The pro-life message emphasizes this value and seeks to protect the lives of the most vulnerable members of society, including the unborn and those who are elderly or disabled.Finally, the passage speaks to the power of healing. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has the power to heal us from our sins and reconcile us with God. In the context of the culture of death, this can be seen as a call to healing and reconciliation. Those who have been involved in the abortion industry, either as providers or recipients, may feel guilt and shame for their actions. However, the message of the cross is one of forgiveness and healing. Those who have been involved in abortion can turn to Christ for healing and forgiveness, and can work towards promoting a culture of life and protecting the sanctity of all human life.

Another way in which the message of the cross can be related to the pro-life message is through the concept of self-sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of selflessness, and it serves as a model for us to follow. In the pro-life movement, there are many individuals who make great sacrifices to protect and defend the sanctity of human life. This includes individuals who volunteer at pregnancy centers, those who provide material support to women facing crisis pregnancies, and those who advocate for the rights of the unborn. These individuals are following in the footsteps of Christ, who gave his life so that we could have eternal life.

Additionally, the message of the cross is one of hope. Christ’s resurrection from the dead gives us hope that death is not the end, and that eternal life is possible. This message of hope is particularly relevant to the pro-life movement, which often faces discouragement and despair. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the message of the cross reminds us that there is always hope for a better future. We can work towards building a culture of life, where every human life is valued and protected from conception to natural death.

Finally, the message of the cross also speaks to the importance of community. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was not a solitary act, but rather an act that involved the entire community of believers. In the same way, the pro-life movement is not the work of individuals alone, but rather a collective effort to promote the sanctity of human life. It is through the support and collaboration of others that we can make a real difference in the world.

In summary, the message of the cross is a powerful reminder of the value of human life, the importance of self-sacrifice, the hope for a better future, and the need for community. These themes are all central to the pro-life message, and they serve as a call to action for all who seek to promote the sanctity of human life in our world today.

HOME | BLOG UPDATES