Prayer for protection of unborn children

January 22, 2014:  Day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children

Readings

• 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51  David/Saul:  “I can fight Goliath.” “No; you're only a youth.” “God will keep me safe.” “Go!”  David approached him with stones and sling.  To Philistine:  “I come in God's name; I'll cut off your head; all will learn of God.”  He killed him with sling, stone, and sword.

• Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10  "Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!"  My refuge, fortress, stronghold, deliverer, shield, I'll praise you with lyre and song.

• Mk 3:1-6  Jesus to man with withered hand:  “Come...  Stretch out your hand.”  When it was restored, Pharisees planned with the Herodians to kill him.

Pope Francis

• Audience for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:  Christ has not been divided.  The divisions in our communities are a source of scandal; they weaken our witness to the Gospel.  As Paul reminded the Corinthians to rejoice in their spiritual gifts, let us rejoice in the gifts God has given other Christians, gifts we can receive from them for our enrichment.  This calls for humility, discernment, and ongoing conversion.  Pray that together with all Christ’s followers we may pursue holiness and fidelity to God's will.

• Gospel Joy (Evangelii Gaudium drill-down), continuing Chapter 4 (a series):

Kingdom and challenge:  The Gospel isn't just about our personal relationship with God; don't stop at small personal gestures to people in need.  To the extent God reigns in us, our life will be a setting for fraternity, justice, peace, and dignity.  Christian life and preaching should affect society.

Development must be directed at everyone and at the whole person.  The Gospel is connected with our concrete life, personal and social; the Father desires the salvation of all.  Proclaim the good news in every aspect of human life.  The mandate of charity encompasses all individuals, all areas of community life, and all peoples.  (4.I, 180-81, pp. 142-44) 

Reflections

• Creighton:  Pray for legal protection of human life despite the odds, for respect for all life.  Persons matter in ways that can't be measured.

• Universalis:  St. Vincent, deacon, martyr.  St. Publius, bishop, welcomed St. Paul and his companions at Malta.

• Sacred Space

Music

• We are one body/ Scallon (lyrics) (week of prayer for Christian unity)

• No hay dios tan grande como tú (often sung with Alabaré):  "not with swords or armies" as 1 Sm 17:37 (1st reading)

Apparel

• "Hands" tie:  "Stretch out your hand" (gospel)

• Sling: David bests Goliath (1st reading)

• "Hearts" suspenders:  love of fellow Christians (Christian unity week), connection between Gospel and charity (Pope Francis)

• Red shirt:  Goliath's blood (1st reading)

Dress your life!

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