"preserve life" (mk 3:4)
"Come, let us deal shrewdly with them to stop their increase." —Exodus 1:10
The Lord's first words to the newly created human race were: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth" (Gn 1:28). In reaction, Satan tries to stop our increase by oppressing and enslaving us (see Ex 1:11-14) and by passing anti-life legislation (see Ex 1:22). We must refuse to take part in the "politically correct," contraceptive, and abortifacient prejudice of our society. We must also refuse to buy into the ungodly economic system, which is an essential aspect of our anti-life culture (see Rv 13:16-17).
Like Moses, we must challenge the system. We must insist on the priority of communal worship over secular work (see Ex 5:1). We must refuse to let ourselves be manipulated by Pharaoh, Egypt, "the love of money" (1 Tm 6:10), and our fleshly desire for possessions (see Gal 5:17).
We won't obey God's first command to us and fill the earth with life until we stop contraception and abortion. We won't stop the culture of death until we stop compromising economically with the ways of the world. Therefore, work for imperishable food (Jn 6:27), get out of debt (see Rm 13:8), simplify your life, and build Christian community. Work to "preserve life" (Mk 3:4).
Prayer: Father, show me the relationship between economics and the anti-life attitudes of our society.
Promise: "He who seeks only himself brings himself to ruin, whereas he who brings himself to nought for Me discovers who he is." —Mt 10:39
Praise: St. Bonaventure wrote the inspiring biography of St. Francis of Assisi. Praise You, Lord Jesus, for the communion of saints!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Sexual Sin, Abortion, and the Pill.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 18, 2013
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.