We cannot all have the “perfect” life, however that is defined. We choose wrong, we sin, or we get the bad breaks. That perfect life is not attainable, including during times of seeming joy, like pregnancy. 

 

Consider this Eastern-European woman who has immigrated to the States. She dates a young American man. They have fun and make plans. Within six months, they are married. 

 

The woman becomes pregnant, and the husband reacts with fear and resentment. He strikes out abusively. She stays for a week, and then understandably leaves. She misses her home country. 

 

She wonders why she left, but mostly she thinks: “The abortion clinic is right down the block. Maybe I could fix this?” 

 

As you read this story, let go of judgment. Look instead with the eyes of compassion, the eyes of Christ. Christ would speak plainly to us about our sinfulness, as He did to the woman at the well (Jn 4). He would forgive the sins of the penitent heart. He would heal and provide for our needs. 

 

How are we like Christ when we encounter expectant parents or new parents who are in crisis? We cannot allow judgment of them to stop us from caring for them. Judgment is for another time and another Person. We have lives to help! 

 

To be clear: Pregnancy is not a crisis. Nor is it a disease. Pregnancy is the gift of life from our Creator. As such, abortion is not health care. It is the killing of the life that the mother carries in her womb. 

 

The Church’s stand against abortion is not one that opposes women, nor is it one that negates women’s health care. Our stand against abortion is rooted in the dignity of males and females as worthy and loved by God. 

 

Many of you are, or know, faith-filled Catholics who actively fight in the pro-life movement. You keep vigil at the Planned Parenthood clinic that this young mother may soon be visiting. You put up white crosses on parish lawns to call attention to the more than 63 million babies who have been killed since abortion was legalized in the United States.

 

Not every ministry is for everyone, though. Not everyone is comfortable or skilled with standing up in these ways. If you believe in the Church’s teachings on life, but the Respect Life ministry is not for you, take heart. If you are knee-deep in Respect Life and want to do more, take heart. The Church needs you! 

 

When a woman grapples with deciding between the life of her baby and abortion, she is likely in crisis. 

This crisis could include being jobless, homeless, spouseless, or hungry, suffering from mental illness or in domestic abuse, or any number of maladies. Her partner may be right there alongside her and needing assistance as well. 

 

This is your ministry: caring and loving the expectant mom and dad in crisis. Bringing them the love of Christ by perhaps donating maternity clothes to maternity homes or by serving as a volunteer receptionist at a pregnancy care center. 

 

Our Catholic faith needs both the “pro-life warrior” as well as the “walking with parents in need” accompanier. The Church stands against abortion and is also there for pregnant women and parents in crisis. You are needed to bring the love of Christ to these wounded families. 

 

Beginning in May, the Diocese of Rockford is asking all parishes to choose to and continue to intentionally “walk with moms in need.” For more information on this national initiative, visit: http://www.rockforddiocese.org/life/parish/walking-with-moms/.