This Sunday we celebrate Respect Life Sunday. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo, has called for us to promote the Gospel of Life, and protect and cherish life from conception to natural death. He affirmed the teaching of the Church about the sanctity of human life. As reported in the media outlet the “National Catholic Register”, he stated that the protection of the right to life “constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right.” He further noted that society “is healthy and truly progresses only when it safeguards the sanctity of human life and works actively to promote it.”
As we reflect on the profound words of Pope Leo, this Sunday we are invited to reaffirm our appreciation for the precious gift of life. There will be a series of “Life Chains” which will be conducted throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta. We are invited to participate in the “Life Chain” that will be held between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Old Alabama Road in an area which will include the space in front of our Church. The “Life Chain” will be a peaceful, public, and prayerful witness concerning the dignity of all life, especially the lives of the unborn. We will pray for our nation, our people and our political leaders, and we will be exercising our responsibility to speak out on behalf of the sanctity of life.
The following “A Prayer for Life” provided by Reverend Michael Paviakovich, of Light of the World Catholic Church, encourages the faithful to embrace a greater respect for life in their hearts:
O Most Holy Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, from Your gentle hand flows the gift of life.
To Your sons and daughters You have given the role of stewards to care for all Your creation from womb to tomb.
Hear us as we pray for a greater respect for all of life throughout our world:
-that the unborn may be born.
-that the child may be safe.
-that the teen may be prepared.
-that the young adult may be other-centered.
-that the adult may be selfless.
-that the aged may be revered.
-that the dying may have dignity.
-that the deceased may rest in peace.
-that the resources of creation may be used well.
-that all your creation may be blessed.
Having served You loyally on earth, may we obtain the rewards of everlasting life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are challenged to commit ourselves publicly to the protection of all human life, as we strive to enhance the moral integrity of our great nation. If we cannot be at the “Life Chain” in Johns Creek this Sunday, we are invited to speak for the most vulnerable through prayer in the silence of our hearts.
May God continue to bless you and your families for all you do to embrace a culture of life.