Are you afraid to stand up and speak for what is right and moral? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you - Daily Reflections January 22, 2016

SPEAK OUT FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

Today is the 43rd anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. The case divided people into pro-choice and pro-life camps, while launching various movements on both sides. January 22 has been formally named as the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.”

       About four years ago, I took a sabbatical course in California. It was a highly rewarding break for me. I was not only spiritually enriched but was drawn closer to the needs and challenges of the people, especially in that part of the world. During my stay in the United States, I learned about pro-life campaigns like “Walk for Life, Respect Life” and the “40 Days for Life.” I got involved in the initiatives. On a regular basis, a prayer rally was held in front of the Planned Parenthood facility there, with Catholics coming from different areas, armed with their rosaries, seeking Mama Mary’s intercession to put a stop to abortion, notwithstanding the various reactions to the campaign.

       But the grace of God flows. I learned that by the end of a “40 Days for Life” campaign in 2015, two more abortion centers, where the campaigns were conducted, shut down, bringing the total number of closed abortion facilities to 59 in just eight years, saving a total of 10,000 would-have-been “unborn” lives. Also, six more workers had a change of heart that same year and quit the abortion industry, bringing the total number of workers who have quit to 107.

    That changed my life. I experienced first-hand that standing for righteousness is not easy. It is most of the time challenging but always fruitful and fulfilling. In our daily lives, we hear about senseless crimes directed to the unborn. We are exposed to countless evils in our society, and we seem helpless, or simply not helping. But the truth is, there is something we can do. Let us not think twice to denounce evil actions — to speak out for what is moral and right. Fr. Erick Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you afraid to stand up and speak for what is right and moral? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you.

 

Holy Spirit, I depend on You to embolden me to speak up for God’s truth whenever I see and experience anything that is contrary to His commands. Amen.