Roe dies on the Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Irony abounds. The Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v Wade on June 24th, 2022, the Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote in 2006:

“By encouraging devotion to the Heart of Jesus, [we exhort] believers to open themselves to the mystery of God and of his love and to allow themselves to be transformed by it. After 50 years, it is still a fitting task for Christians to continue to deepen their relationship with the Heart of Jesus, in such a way as to revive their faith in the saving love of God and to welcome Him ever better into their lives.”

The Pope further explains that from the Heart of Jesus flows a deeper understanding and experience of his His divine love.

Abortion is the antithesis of Christ’s love.

Love is sacrificial, which is why Christ allowed His Sacred Heart to be pierced by his oppressors, so that He could save us all.

Abortion is selfish, as it pierces the hearts of its innocent victims to the detriment of us all.

The Church’s readings on this Solemnity speak to the wrongness of abortion when gleaned through the eyes of faith:

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes:

“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them

would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert

and go after the lost one until he finds it?

And when he does find it,

he sets it on his shoulders with great joy

and, upon his arrival home,

he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,

‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’

I tell you, in just the same way

there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents

than over ninety-nine righteous people

who have no need of repentance.”

[Lk 15: 3-7]

This Gospel passage reminds us that every single person matters, including every ‘lost sheep,’ whether born or unborn. Abortion rejects the beauty and dignity of God’s creation by disposing unwanted ‘sheep’ on the altar of convenience.

The last 49 years have been a marathon for those of us in the pro-life movement. We’ve persevered many, many setbacks. And yet here we are: Roe has been overturned! And in Iowa, the Reynold’s decision has been corrected by the Iowa Supreme Court!

As we celebrate these victories on this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we know that many serious battles still await us. We find great comfort in the words of the Psalmist in today’s liturgy, the 23rd Psalm:

R     The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

            In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

beside restful waters he leads me;

            he refreshes my soul.

R The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths

            for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

            I fear no evil; for you are at my side

with your rod and your staff

            that give me courage.

R The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me

            in the sight of my foes;

you anoint my head with oil;

            my cup overflows.

R The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me

            all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

            for years to come.

R The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

As we celebrate this epic triumph, we move forward knowing that the Good Shepherd protects His flock as He guides us on right paths.