Today the Church celebrates a feast which proclaims the importance of life in the womb and birth. In our abortifacient and contraceptive culture of death, we need constant reminders of the great plans God has for all life, including life before birth.

Our culture, inspired by the kingdom of darkness, emphasizes:

• The womb is tomb. If life starts there, kill it.
• Those who prevent life from starting in the womb through contraception are blessed and successful.
• A pregnancy is a problem, not a blessing.
• Children are burdens both financially and to your lifestyle.
• The more children you have, the bigger your problems.

The kingdom of Jesus, the Life (Jn 11:25; 14:6), emphasizes:

• The womb is a place for God to anoint His servants (Is 49:5).
• In the womb, God's servants work in power (Lk 1:41, 44).
• Those like Mary, who have what the world calls "problem pregnancies," bring life and joy to others (see Lk 1:44).
• Those like Elizabeth, who have what the world calls "high-risk pregnancies," lead others to praise and magnify the Lord (see Lk 1:46).
• Babies, "the fruit of the womb" (see Lk 1:42), are not limited by their confinement in the womb, but evangelize others in a mighty way (Lk 1:41, 44).
• The more children you have, the greater your blessings.

Jesus welcomed children (Mt 19:14). Let us do the same.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005

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