Weak or Strong
By Rita Murdock

      “God will often grant to the very weak what the strong refused. …Simple and weak people are so conscious of their inadequacies that they depend upon God and they face the truth; a truth that proclaims: ‘I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me’ (Phil. 4:13).”

— Mother M. Angelica

     There are many things that we take for granted. Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness are rights we assume because we live in America. These rights are guaranteed by our constitution or are they? In this country a “pre-born” baby, weak and innocent cannot take his birth for granted. Yet God is the creator and at the moment of conception, each person has genetic make-up and a God given purpose. God wants us, even when we are weak. 

     The initial emotion to pregnancy in a mother is joy. Response to a pregnancy is dictated by situation. Is a “baby” wanted? Planned? Convenient at this time? If not, joy is short lived and this “life” becomes a tissue, embryo, and disposable. Sanctity of life is forgotten. 

     Life begins at conception. We need to understand and always respond positively to life. We must not violate rights of the new life. It is weak; we are strong. Our response to pregnancy may dictate what a new mother does. Abortion is not an option, but a murder. God is a compassionate merciful Father who follows us lovingly. This, says Pope John Paul II, “ is reason for profound joy that different daily events cannot affect." God's love is the foundation of Christian joy, which no trial or suffering can affect. We are asked to love and to respond.

     February 25 through April 5, the season of Lent, consider participating in the 40 Days for Life. Pray and fast; keep peaceful vigil, reach out. Contact Terri Pellatt-Witaker at 715-849-8090 to sign up for specific vigil hours outside Family Planning Health Services and Marathon County Court House. At the minimum, pray to end abortion.  Pray "To know that God is not far but close, not indifferent but compassionate, not a stranger but a merciful Father who follows us lovingly while respecting our freedom. … An unmistakable characteristic of Christian joy is that it can coexist with suffering, because it is totally based on love,"
 

     "In fact, the Lord who is at hand, to the point of becoming man, comes to infuse in us his joy, the joy of loving," Pope John Paul II. Be strong in your weakness and pray. Study God who is all truth, the way, and life. Respond to life, all life. Pray with Mother Teresa: "Mary, my dearest Mother, give me your heart so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate, so full of Love and Humility, that I may receive Jesus as You did -- and go in haste to give Him to others”.