Dear Parishioners,
As we soon begin the month of October, I am reminded of the important connection we need to make joining devotion to the Holy Rosary with our Respect Life efforts. It is no coincidence that October is both the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary and also to the respect for all human life from the moment of conception until natural death.
As we soon begin the month of October, I am reminded of the important connection we need to make joining devotion to the Holy Rosary with our Respect Life efforts. It is no coincidence that October is both the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary and also to the respect for all human life from the moment of conception until natural death.
The history of the Holy Rosary reveals its power combating heresy (against the Albigensians) and providing victory in battle (the battle of Lepanto). It was requested by our Lady herself during various Church approved Marian apparitions (Fatima). It has tremendous spiritual benefits for those who faithfully pray it.
Simply stated, the rosary traces the highlights of the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ and the life of his Mother Mary as found in Sacred Scripture and Church Tradition. It is, in a sense, the bible on beads. We can use the rosary to help us spiritually each day as we recall and reflect on various mysteries of our faith and our salvation.
The repetition of the prayers is meant to help us get into a spiritual rhythm and a reflective mindset. The meditation on the mysteries helps us to recall and reinforce essential truths of our faith. The rosary also seeks the intercession of Our Lady who is essential to the plan for our salvation. She is our spiritual mother guiding us and accompanying us on our journey of life.
Just think of some of the joyful mysteries
of the Holy Rosary and their connection to various life issues. The first
joyful mystery, the Annunciation (Lk.
1: 26-38), shows us how with Mary’s “yes” to the angel, the Word
became flesh in her womb. God became Incarnate with Jesus’ human
life beginning at conception. After Jesus was conceived in
Mary’s womb, when Mary greeted Elizabeth [the Visitation (Lk.
1: 39-56)], John the Baptist leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb.
Recall how Elizabeth was in advanced years—a situation that today may
be too easy an excuse to have an abortion. When Jesus is born in a stable
in Bethlehem [the Nativity (Lk. 2: 1-7ff.)] with no
room for Him anywhere else, I can just imagine someone today saying
that “This child is too inconvenient for us at this time!” or “We can’t afford
this child!” These are just a few reasons that can be rationalized for
terminating an unwanted or inconvenient pregnancy.
There is certainly no more important
issue facing our world today than the one concerning the sacredness of
all human life. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to become one of
us. This is our fundamental belief and this indicates for us the
tremendous value that God placed on humanity itself. Let no one deceive
you with false arguments and/or intellectual rationalizations somehow
justifying an abortion, infanticide or euthanasia.
The Author of Life became one of us and this speaks volumes of our need, tirelessly, to protect and to defend all human life.
The Author of Life became one of us and this speaks volumes of our need, tirelessly, to protect and to defend all human life.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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