July Prayer Guide:
Respect Life, Prayer & Action
In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives at both the state and federal level. Despite this monumental legal victory, abortion policy is far from settled.
Sadly, over the past year, several states have used this opportunity to not only keep abortion legal, but also to pursue even more extreme pro-abortion policies. Currently, abortion is legal in more states than not. Our dedicated efforts are desperately needed in the months and years to come to protect preborn children and their mothers from the tragedy of abortion.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-14). As Catholics, we have a duty to pursue the common good and to work for the protection of the most vulnerable. Our faith, formed by the teachings of the Church, should guide our engagement in civic life.
Each of us is called to live out our faith publicly, witnessing to the Gospel. For, “if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Mt. 5:15-16). We cannot hide our faith under the “bushel basket.” Rather, our “light must shine before others” (Mt. 5:15-16).
Inspired by the Gospel, we must do what we can to end violence in the womb, to ensure that preborn children are fully protected by our laws, and to support mothers and fathers in welcoming and nurturing their children. May we all faithfully embrace our shared Christian responsibility and be strengthened by God’s grace when we encounter resistance or persecution. Together, may we help build a culture of life and civilization of love in our nation.
