“In the words and gestures of the Last Supper, Jesus makes it clear that out of love for us he is freely offering his life for the forgiveness of our sins.”
Bishop Zurek, VI. The Church’s Official Teaching or Dogma in regard to the Most Holy Eucharist, The Holy Eucharist: Celebration and Profound Significance, Diocesan Catechesis
Have the words and gesture of the Respect Life Mass in the Diocese of Amarillo been reduced to making it clear that we are convinced of our anti-abortion righteousness, and that anyone who is pro-choice is despised to the point that we freely offer the Eucharist for the forgiveness of THEIR sins?
Reading I
“The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
Sir 35: 21-22
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.”
Could it be that a response to our mandated Mass for more respect from those that are despised is delayed because we are not lowly enough?
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Ps 34: 7
How is accommodating a Respect Life Mass on the anniversary of a despised overturned court decision and a walk to a closed down despised Planned Parenthood clinic in a diocese where despised abortion is essentially banned; doing as the Lord does in hearing the cry of the poor and directly confronting the popular narrative that the Catholic Church merely condemns abortion, without providing the resources or support women need in raising their children
Reading 2
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
2 Tm 4: 7
I have kept the faith.
Bishop Zurek is now in his last year before submitting his resignation as bishop to the pope. Are “the few”, who are despised by him for having restless hearts in their search for the Lord, going to just rest until the next bishop is appointed?
Alleluia
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
2 Cor 5:19
and entrusting to us the message of salvation.
What does Jesus have to say to those of us who are entrusted with the message of salvation as we go through the effort of setting aside one Saturday morning a year to show how much those who do not Respect Life are despised?
Gospel
Jesus addressed this parable
Lk 18:9
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.