Although David had won a great victory over the Amalekites, he "mourned and wept and fasted" (2 Sm 1:12) on hearing of the deaths of his deranged enemy Saul and devoted friend Jonathan. Although we may be victorious, blessed, happy, and holy in our personal lives, we also should mourn because of the holocaust of millions of babies through abortion. At the massacre of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem, "a cry was heard at Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation: Rachel bewailing her children; no comfort for her, since they are no more" (Mt 2:18, see Jer 31:15). We also must cry to show that we are human and not too numbed to react to mass murder. We should pray: "Oh, that my head were a spring of water, my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night over the slain of the daughter of my people!" (Jer 8:23, NAB)

If we care enough to cry, the Lord will promise to answer our prayers "because you were heartsick and have humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard My threats that this place and its inhabitants would become a desolation and a curse; because you tore your garments and wept before Me; I in turn have listened, says the Lord" (2 Kgs 22:19). By God's grace, abortion and its causes will be stopped. The Lord promises us: "Cease your cries of mourning, wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward, says the Lord, they shall return from the enemy's land. There is hope for your future, says the Lord" (Jer 31:16-17). Cry tears of sorrow and repentance now so you will ultimately cry tears of joy.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2009

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