''i do not need you'' (1 cor 12:21)
"There was a baby boy, crying!'' —Exodus 2:6
When we support the elimination of babies by abortion and contraception, we say to these unwanted members of Jesus' body, "I do not need you'' (1 Cor 12:21). Can we even call ourselves Christians if we have so much disdain for Jesus' Body that we don't care if millions of members of His Body are murdered or never given a chance to exist? Can we call ourselves Christians if we have so little regard for Christ's Body that we don't mind if His Body is weakened, disfigured, or paralyzed by the absence of many millions of members worldwide?
Powerful, well-financed organizations reach into every corner of the globe to advance the spread of abortion and contraception. If, as St. Teresa of Avila says, Jesus has no hands but ours and no feet but ours, then His Body on earth is being more and more crippled with the elimination of each child that would have strengthened His Body. We are to honor all members of His Body, but the weakest and smallest we must honor with even greater care (1 Cor 12:22-24).
The Church champions the Body of Christ in her teaching. However, far too many disobey the teachings of the Church. They are pro-choice; they choose to please their own bodies. It doesn't bother them that Jesus' Body is broken as long as their own body doesn't suffer. Catholics, repent of disfiguring the Body of Christ instead of building it up. Christians, oppose abortion and contraception. Jesus asks you, ''Do you love My body?'' (see Jn 21:15) How will you answer Him today? How will you answer Him on Judgment Day?
Prayer: Jesus, this is my body to be given up for You.
Promise: "The Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not.'' —Ps 69:34
Praise: St. Camillus ministered to children, the sick, and the dying, all the while suffering himself from various illnesses.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 22, 2017
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