The same is true from a spiritual perspective: We cannot be apathetic and ignore the opportunities right in front of us, in our home, the diocese and the world, or evil will consume our work. We must become more vigilant to the work that God has placed before us. Time is of the essence. There are great attacks on our church, Pope Benedict XVI, human life and on truth. We see it everywhere, don’t we?
Good and evil will always be present, but that is why we were born. God gave us the chance to change the world for the better, but also to answer our call to holiness by being a witness to truth.
Just like the saints, we are called to proclaim this truth regardless of the consequences. Look at the lives of the saints. They loved God so much that they were willing to die for him. Are we?
Are we able to say, “I am living for you, Lord, and I’m willing to give my life for the sake of truth?” Are we willing to battle misguided opinions, secular ideals that cloud the truth and false claims of tolerance that actually diminish God-given rights and the dignity of each human life?
Each day babies and elderly are killed through abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. Hate, selfishness and ignorance abound. Our mission is to combat all this; to love everyone so much that we are willing to fight this culture of death in order to bring authentic freedom and justice for all, born and unborn.
When we lay on our pillows tonight and look over our days, thinking of how we chose to live, are we humbled by what we accomplished? Or are we self-centered in our efforts, burning the pecans while watering the plants on the back porch?
God calls us to be front and center. He asks us to be vigilant and bring about work that gives him glory. We cannot give what we do not have. So learn more about life issues and storm heaven with prayer.
We will stop the insanity, death and destruction as more of us pick up our crosses and follow Christ. Truth matters. Obedience matters. Love matters. Prayer and sacrifice matter. We have the power through the Holy Spirit to do the impossible, to accomplish great works. We have truth on our side. No one has the right to make decisions and laws that kill the innocent lives that God created. Each human life is sacred.
Be vigilant, seek truth, defend life and pray! God will show us the way. And if you’re too busy, ask someone else to water the flowers.
(Check out the Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 2268-2330 and www.gbdioc.org/respectlife.)
Pallini is the respect life consultant for the Green Bay Diocese.
