Thursday, January 22, 2015

Day Six: Nine Days for Life

Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage Novena: Day Six

On January 22 our nation will mark the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal throughout the U.S.  Since that tragic decision, more than 56 million children's lives have been lost to abortion, and many suffer that loss -- often in silence.  The USCCB invites us to join thousands of Catholics across the country coming together in prayer for a "culture of life" from January 17-25.  Here's day six:

Intercession: May each person suffering from the loss of a child through abortion find hope & healing in Christ.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection:
Today, on this 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we consider the past four decades in which our society has legally permitted abortion. Since that tragic decision, many children’s lives have been lost, and many suffer that loss—often in silence. Yet God’s greatest desire is to forgive. No matter how far we have each strayed from his side, he says to us, “Don’t be afraid. Draw close to my heart.”

“In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also called confession, we meet the Lord, who wants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life in him. … We bishops and priests are eager to help you if you experience difficulty, hesitation, or uncertainty about approaching the Lord in this sacrament. If you have not received this healing sacrament in a long time, we are ready to welcome you” ("God’s Gift of Forgiveness":  www.bit.ly/GiftOfForgiveness). Let us run into the arms of Jesus, who is love and mercy.

Acts of Reparation (choose one)
  • Today, go visit an adoration chapel and spend some time with Jesus.
  • Go to Confession—today, if possible—or during this week. Before you go, look up St. Faustina and learn a little about the message of Divine Mercy she shared during her life.
  • Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for those who are suffering the loss of a child through abortion, asking that they find healing and peace. 
One Step Further:
Click here to visit the USCCB site for this novena.

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