Daily Gospel Reflections for January 20, 2016

Today's Gospel: Mark 3, 1-6

As I read this gospel, I could not help but think of the sad day we will be celebrating in just 2 days in our country, the 43rd anniversary of the Roe versus Wade decision making abortion legal. Jesus, confronted by the Pharisees, makes the “choice” clear to us in this reading with his words ““Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”

We live in a culture that would rather destroy life than reach out and help mothers with unplanned pregnancies. A culture that would rather send women to abortion clinics to “get rid” of a child that was not perfect rather than help love, support and nurture the child outside the womb. We live in a time that “chooses” the law over life, evil over love.

Jesus stands up for the man with the withered hand, an outcast because of his disability. He makes his point clear. We as Christians must protect the marginalized and vulnerable. We must stand firm in the face of an unjust law and love. We must share with women the truth and help them through their difficult situation. We must also bring women who feel outcast by having an abortion to “come up here before us” and welcome them at our Eucharistic table. Let us be strengthened by Christ’s example to love and choose life, even when it is difficult.

Ponder:

How can I be a witness to life today as Christ calls me to be?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help us to always choose to love and save life. Let us be instruments of healing and peace in our broken world. Amen.

Copyright 2016 Michele Faehnle

Michele Faehnle is a mother of four from Columbus, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Michele enjoys volunteering for the church and is the co-chair of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference. She is currently co-authoring her first book titled Divine Mercy For Moms: Sharing the Lessons of St. Faustina through Ave Maria Press. She blogs at mercy4moms.com, Columbuscatholicwomen.com and michelejoan.com.