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Sanctity
of Life Mass My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Some years ago, Cardinal Cacciavillan, who was then our Papal Nuncio, visited me in Tulsa. He was interested in seeing first-hand the life of the Catholic Church in a mission area. While I introduced him into the various works and ministries of the Church, the highlight came when we went to Saint John Medical Center. There, Sister Therese Gottschalk, SSM, the administrator, took us to the neo-natal center where we witnessed the miracle of life. There we saw premature babies who comfortably rested in the palm of the nurse’s hand. Every time I think back to that experience which I have now had numerous times, I thank God for the gift of life and the promise of eternal life in heaven. Unfortunately, at the same time I see a beautiful little baby, I think back to January 22, 1973, when our Supreme Court shattered the moral foundation of our society by legalizing abortion. Every abortion is like a bomb which kills a baby and shatters our society. Abortion is an unspeakable crime against the human person, the family structure and a moral society. Because of the horrific nature of this life-destroying act in which an unborn child is killed, a woman wounded, a family fractured and a society scarred, abortion is very often not spoken about in words that convey the deadly seriousness of what is involved. False compassion, untrue statistics and lies themselves cloud the reality of what happens behind closed doors to thousands of mothers and children each day! Our nation has endured thirty-four years of abortion on demand, resulting from the United States Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in Roe vs. Wade. Thus, an entire generation has grown increasingly accustomed to abortion being a part of “the American way of life.” We have become insensitive to the desensitizing word “abortion.” We have become deaf to the debate that rages around that word and numb to the destructive moral consequences of legally sanctioned abortion. So what are we to do? The American Bishops adopted a statement: “Living the Gospel of Life – A Challenge to American Catholics.” This eloquent document points out the responsibility we all have as members of the body of Christ. This document minces no words in describing the decline of America as a life-respecting, life-protective society. It states: “Abortion and euthanasia have become pre-eminent threats to human dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental human good and the condition for all others. They are committed against those who are weakest and most defenseless, those who are genuinely ‘poorest of the poor.’ They are endorsed increasingly without the veil of euphemism, as supporters of abortion and euthanasia freely concede these are killing even as they promote them. Sadly, they are practiced in those communities which ordinarily provide a safe haven for the weak – the family and healing professions. Such direct attacks on human life, once crimes, are legitimized by governments sworn to protect the weak and the marginalized.” So, what are we to do? As your archbishop, I stand here today, filled with sadness at the wrong direction we have moved as a society. Yet I stand here with great confidence and hope for our country and our future. Looking around, I see representatives of Birth Choice and Birthright. I see members of the Knights of Columbus and workers from our Catholic Charities and peace and justice organizations. I see doctors, nurses and other health care people who are as concerned as I am. I see men and women, young and old, who share my sadness and also my hope for we are all God’s people. There is but one good and gracious God, Creator of all and Giver of all good gifts. This good and gracious God made us in His own Image and Likeness. He sent His Son Jesus to save us. Jesus Himself says to us: “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” So, what are we to do? We should listen to Jesus and follow His directions. As Catholic people, prayer is the essential ingredient of our lives. Prayer is communication with God. Through prayer we learn about God’s plan for us, His people. We discover the real meaning and value and purpose of all human life. In prayer we humbly come to the Lord to be healed, to be nourished and to be strengthened. Prayer is the first step to true conversion. Conversion means returning to God. Conversion demands change, change from sin and apathy and misdirection. That is why prayer must be our first and our continuing principle effort in the battle against abortion and our determination to bring back a respect for the dignity and value of every human life. Only through prayer can we be converted. Only through prayer can we convert others. There will be no stopping abortion unless a conversion takes place in our hearts. While prayer which leads to conversion is an essential element in the defense of human life, it is not the only ingredient. Sacrifice, which includes fasting, and work which means renewed effort in the many areas of pro-life activities, is the compliment to prayer. So, what are we to do? We are to become a prayerful, sacrificial people. There is no better way for us to proceed. There is no other way for us to succeed. Through prayer and sacrifice, we are united to the Lord of all life, to our good and gracious God Who breathed life into us and all human beings. Through prayer and sacrifice, we are united to God so that His plan becomes our plan and our work fulfills His Divine Will. Tonight then I want to thank all of you and all our brothers and sisters who join us in prayer, sacrifice and effort. I am convinced that your faith and determination will bring to perfection the good work which the Lord has begun in you. Remember, Jesus said: “It was not you who chose Me but I Who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name He may give you. This I command you: Love one another.” Most Reverend
Eusebius J. Beltran |