Preparing for Friday

I've included the following in my parish bulletin:

This coming Friday is the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade, which struck down many of the state laws which placed limits on abortion. As a result, the bishops of the United States have designated January 22nd “shall be observed in all dioceses of the United States as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right of life.” That being the case, I will be back from the Priest’s Assembly on Thursday night so I can say Mass at 8 am on Friday morning in Fort Benton, followed by Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament with Benediction at 9:30.

Since the day is set aside as a day of penance, we should be thinking about sacrifices we can make. It would be appropriate to abstain from meat on January 22nd (not only is it a day of penance because of Roe vs. Wade, but it is a Friday), and also maybe to fast as a sign of penance for the sin of abortion which exists in our country. If you are unable to come to Mass that morning and spend some time in adoration, perhaps you can stop by a church during your lunch time to pray.

Prayer to the Spirit of Truth

Holy Spirit, You are the promised Spirit of Truth, constantly revealing the splendor of truth to Your people, and leading us deeper into the Mysteries of our Faith.

Come to us today, and deepen in our minds and hearts the truth about life: its greatness, its dignity, its reflection of the eternal God. Make us appreciate ever more the truth that life is always a good, and that every life is of equal dignity, despite all the different characteristics people have, or the different circumstances under which they come to be.

Come, Spirit of Truth. Free all Your people from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion. Free them from the false and harmful ideas which make a god out of their own choices, or which fail to recognize the right to life of children in the womb.

Come, O Holy Spirit, and as You immerse us in Your truth, so make us effective witnesses of that truth within our families, among our friends, and to all the world. Amen.