Although David had won a great victory over the Amalekites, he "mourned and wept and fasted" (2 Sm 1:12) on hearing of the deaths of his deranged enemy Saul and devoted friend Jonathan. Although we may be victorious, blessed, happy, and holy in our personal lives, we also should mourn because of the holocaust of millions of babies through abortion. At the massacre of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem, "a cry was heard at Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation: Rachel bewailing her children; no comfort for her, since they are no more" (Mt 2:18, see Jer 31:15). We also must cry to show that we are human and not too numbed to react to mass murder. We should pray: "Oh, that my head were a spring of water, my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night over the slain of the daughter of my people!" (Jer 8:23, NAB)
If we care enough to cry, the Lord will promise to answer our prayers "because you were heartsick and have humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard My threats that this place and its inhabitants would become a desolation and a curse; because you tore your garments and wept before Me; I in turn have listened, says the Lord" (2 Kgs 22:19). By God's grace, abortion and its causes will be stopped. The Lord promises us: "Cease your cries of mourning, wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward, says the Lord, they shall return from the enemy's land. There is hope for your future, says the Lord" (Jer 31:16-17). Cry tears of sorrow and repentance now so you will ultimately cry tears of joy.
| PRAYER: | Father, on this anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, may I pour out my heart like water in Your presence (Lam 2:19). |
| PROMISE: | "Rouse your power, and come to save us." –Ps 80:3 |
| PRAISE: | Each year a large group of teens give up their time and energy to walk in the Rally for Life. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College