Persistence to End an Outrage

"Then He told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 'There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, "Render a just decision for me against my adversary." For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, "While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me." '

"The Lord said, 'Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Will He be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?' "

-- Luke 18:1-8

A 5-year-old was killed, apparently by a stray shot from a gun battle, and our community is understandably outraged.

The unnatural and violent death of an innocent should shock and anger us.

But somehow, after 41 years of legalized abortion in the United States, we as a nation have accepted the estimated 55 million innocent lives lost because of abortion.

Some people, including many in our parish, have refused to forget this injustice. They pray like the persistent widow in Jesus' parable, at home, church and in front of abortion clinics. Others demonstrate peacefully and prayerfully at walks, marches and other events. Some help care for mothers and families, enabling them to provide for a child.

Everyone can do something to end legalized abortion.

U.S. Catholic bishops are encouraging us to observe the 41st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion in the United States, by participating in nine days of prayer and penance and pilgrimage. They are asking us to participate in local pro-life events and pray and perform acts of reparation through a novena Jan. 18-26. Participants can access the novena prayers through apps, emails, texts and online. More information is available on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops web site.

Let us call out to the Lord day and night to end abortion.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.