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Pray, Hope and Don't Worry
By Charles Mangan
Herald Commentary
Twenty-six years of living under the misguided rule of Roe. V. Wade hasn't dimmed the resplendent light which illiminates the souls of human life. So many of His disciples experience a "holy compulsion" to cheerfully trumpet the good news of this treasure we call human life and work tirelessly for its defense.
But how is it that others -- including many in public office (even, sadly, some Catholics) -- refuse to recognize that human life is sacred and urgently needs to be protected regardless of age, health, or economic status? Why is it that legalized abortion is still the law of the land throughout the United States as we dash towards the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000?
There are, of course, plenty of reasons why abortion hasn't been dislodged from its unfortunate pride of place in American society. The overriding factor is that far too few of us either embrace totally or at least nod with some acceptance at the incontrovertible truth: God is the Master of life -- we are merely stewards of this priceless talent. There are as yet not enough citizens of our land who have been so moved by this reality that, for instance, they allow this conviction to dictate their voting habits at the polls.
The current situation in our nation and throughout most of the West could invite discouragement into the heart of even the most fervent promoter of human life. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (d. 1968), the Italian Franciscan priest who bore the physical wounds of Jesus on his body, spent much of his life offering assistance (often in the context of the Sacrament of Penance) to those who would visit San Giovanni Rotondo, his home for several decades. He regularly encouraged those who were despondent and on the brink of despair.
His solid advice is especially applicable for all those fighting to secure the rights of human persons, particularly the inherent right-to-life of pre-born children. Padre Pio gave a trio of easy-to-remember counsels; pray, hope and don't worry. These valuable gems of spiritual wisdom have a connection to the forgotten workers in the respect life cause. Let's examine each more closely.
Pray: Padre Pio lived prayer. He acknowledged its genuine power to change hearts and bring about good where it had previously been lacking. It is said that he spent hours each day praying Our Lady's Rosary. He was a true son of the ever-virgin Mother of God.
His sincere love for the Holy Mass was legendary. He exhorted all those who would listen to frequent the Sacrament of Penance.
For Padre Pio, both public and private prayer were a must. It was inconceivable to him that anyone could be an authentic friend of Jesus without praying privately and receiving the sacraments.
Hope: The prayer entitled the "Act of Hope" captures well the essence of this supernatural virtue. "O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace and life everylasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen."
The saintly Franciscan friar preached the necessity of hope. When hope is lacking, one has then abandoned that indispensable trust in the living Lord and His providence. Satan quickly manages to take advantage of such a tragedy.
Padre Pio put his confidence in the love and mercy of God. His lasting desire was to spend eternity with the Almighty. He didn't fail to urge his visitors to have the same longing to be with the Lord forever in paradise.
Don't Worry: Jesus made clear in the Gospel that we can't add any years to our lives by worrying. Padre Pio addressed the importance of tranquillity in the spiritual life. Perhaps this is in itself a great sign of closeness to Christ.
Naturally, one will have legitimate concerns with which to deal. Yet, to paraphrase St. Paul, nothing can prevent us from the love of the Savior. He has already done His part by dying on Calvary and reconciling sinful man to His heavenly Father. Now, Padre Pio asserted, wer are to do our part: to surrender to our Creator and cast upon Him our innumerable cares.
We pray that God will stop abortion. We hope that He will do it soon. We don't worry that somehow He has forgotten this special intention of ours.
Prayer, hope, and confidence will win the day in the midst of the abortion struggle. God does His share. Our prayers, fasting, efforts, hope and serenity combine to form our share. Mary, Mother of all human life, pray for us.
Father Mangan, a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, S.D. is studying Mariology in Rome.
This article was published in the Arlington
Catholic Herald,
200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 607, Arlington, VA 22203; Vol 24, No 3;
page 5, dated Jan. 21, 1999.
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letters@catholicherald.com
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A note from the Web Master:
It is noteworthy and honorable that some folks are willing to stand up for a ban on Partial-Birth Abortion. Let us not forget that ordinary everyday Abortion is also murder. We must understand that murder is murder no matter the method. Because one method of abortion seems to be horrible does not justify the other methods. We should be horrified and sickened by any Abortion regardless of the method. The Fifth Commandment spells it out clearly: "Thou shalt not kill." A fetus is a person, a human being with a God given soul. Imagine the pain the Lord must feel when any Abortion occurs. Please contact both of your Senators and Representative, via letter or phone, to let them know how horrified you are that Abortions are legal and to stop Partial-Birth Abortions and all other Abortions as soon as possible. (It has become apparent that they do not respond to email therefore you will have more of an impact by writing or telephoning.)
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