On June 24, 2022, we rejoiced as the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade — the infamous 1973 court case that declared abortion a constitutional right. While last year’s decision didn’t outlaw abortion in the U.S., it did open the door for states to decide whether abortion should be legal, restricted, or outlawed within their borders.
So the battle for life continues. How should we proceed? Here are a couple plans of action to consider.
We need a liturgical renewal to bring about a cultural renewal.
After many of the great battles in the Old Testament were won by the Israelites, they erected altars of atonement and thanksgiving. Moses and Elijah made altars to the Lord, showing that they recognized God’s role in their victory.
Our current pro-life battles are not political, they are spiritual. The restitution of a godly order in our society has to begin with a spiritual and liturgical renewal. This is because our victory is dependent on God and the liturgy gives us the spiritual strength to persevere.
As important as activism is, liturgical renewal is more important. Let’s bring our pro-life intentions with us to Mass and Eucharistic adoration. Let’s pray for the victories God gave to His people in the past and make reparation for the horrible outrage of abortion.
Many in the pro-life community reach the heads of people with strong pro-life arguments. Others are putting their hands to work by joining pro-life marches and providing resources to pregnant mothers in need.
But we also need to reach hearts. That can only be done through a spiritual renewal.
We need to erect signs of victory for Christ’s kingdom.
We’re not losers. We’re victors. We know how the battle ends. Christ has already destroyed sin and death. At the Second Coming, evil will be destroyed. Let’s keep this in mind as we fight on.
We need visual signs to remind us of this coming victory. Let’s make statues of pro-life heroes. Our friend Fr. Jason Charron is building a shrine to the Blessed Mother in thanksgiving for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The Left likes making memorials to its heroes, so why shouldn’t we do the same?
In the end, we must remember that the pro-life cause is God’s work, not ours. We can do nothing without God’s grace. If we rely on our own efforts — even for a great cause like the pro-life movement — we are bound to fail.
Let’s redouble our prayers and sacrifices that life may be respected by all!