How can we reconcile the purpose of the Respect Life Mass, held annually on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, with the reality that abortion rates declined prior to its overturning and have risen since, while reflecting on Jesus’ declaration, “For this purpose have I come,” the intrinsic purpose of all creation beyond humanity, and the quiet moments of prayer crunching over snow in the early morning❓
Gospel
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
Lectio Divina Reflection
The crisp morning air greets me as I walk over the snow, each step crunching beneath my feet. In this quiet moment of prayer, I ponder the word “purpose” and the call it carries. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a servant who would bring justice to the nations, a purpose intertwined with humility and steadfastness. In my prayer, I ask: do I fully grasp the purpose for which I am called, or do I lose sight of it amidst the noise of the world❓
The Respect Life Mass serves a noble purpose: to remind us of the sanctity of life and our duty to defend it. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if its focus on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade has caused us to lose sight of a deeper mission. The decline in abortion rates prior to the decision’s overturning and their increase since prompt a reflection on whether our efforts truly align with the purpose of fostering a culture of life that reaches the hearts of all.
Jesus proclaimed that all creation has its own purpose, independent of humanity’s needs and desires. This teaching challenges me to reflect on how often we treat other beings as means to our ends rather than as creatures with their own inherent worth. If we can recognize and honor the purpose of all creation, perhaps we can better honor the sacredness of human life.
The Mass itself carries an eternal purpose, uniting us with Christ’s sacrifice and renewing our commitment to live out his Gospel. As the heavens opened at Jesus’ baptism and the Father’s voice declared his beloved Son, so too does every Mass remind us of our identity and purpose as his followers. Are we truly living out this purpose in our advocacy, or do we risk becoming entangled in division and politics❓
As I stand in prayer, does the quiet of the morning remind me of Jesus’ resolute focus on his mission, and along with the crunching of the snow do His words echo in my mind:
The ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us.
FROM PARAGRAPH 83 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME