sanctity

Yesterday marked the 39th anniversary of the "abomination" of Roe vs. Wade.  I had just turned 8...in the third grade.  It was one of those events that is burned into my mind like the Space Shuttle or 9-11.  I was sitting in a third grade classroom, when the principal made an announcement about this decision and the church bells began to toll. 

Today is (was) a day of prayer and penance throughout the Catholic Church in the United States.  I don't know if too many people really knew about it, though.  We heard about it briefly at Mass this morning, but not at all yesterday.  I knew about it, but I can't say that I really did anything penitential.  Sometimes its hard to just pick something out of thin air and offer it as penance.

I did, though, spend some time reflecting this morning before school, and that I can share:

The good Father remarked this morning of the increase in violence in our society.  That is because - he says - because of the lack of reverence for life - from conception to natural death.

And we all contribute to that in some way.

• for the times that we are glad when certain students are absent...because their presence is such a burden
• for the times we don't see any humanity in those that we deal with
• for the times that we do not treat them with respect and dignity; even when they don't deserve it
• for the times we have given up on those whom are sent to us
• for strength to deal with "the least" with kindness and compassion 

There must be times when the Lord looks down at each of us and sadly shakes his head at the lack of humanity that he sees in our hearts.  And yet, He always treats us with dignity and respect, with love and compassion, even when we do not deserve it.  And even if we have given up on ourselves, He never gives up hope for us.