Protecting Children

"The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will take no action against you." 1 Sam 24:14

Everyone agrees that we have to protect children. The sexual abuse crisis in our country and church made that very clear, and this is where we ought to begin any conversation about abortion.

When we are able to begin a conversation with a common goal, we almost always make progress. The problem of when life begins, to which everything gets reduced, should not be our starting point in any discussion about abortion.

It is clear that the Catholic church believes unequivocally that human life begins at conception, but this conviction should not stop us from finding common ground with our neighbors about the protection of children. When we are able to build relationships with those with whom we disagree, our conversations are always more straightforward and honest. More important, the likelihood that we actually listen to the position of others and they ours increases exponentially. When we listen, common solutions emerge much more organically.

Hebrews reminds us not to become sluggish in proclaiming our faith, and when we announce good news with power, passion and joy it is easier for others to hear us and even consider our ethical positions. Rather than enter a shouting match with those with whom we disagree, let our joy be the foundation of every interchange, no matter how difficult.

Today, pray for unborn children.

How do you avoid a sluggish faith?