Blessed John Paul II told us that
The challenge is to make the church’s yes to life concrete and effective. The struggle will be long, and it needs each one of you. Place your intelligence, your talents, your enthusiasm, your compassion and your fortitude at the service of life! Have no fear. The outcome of the battle for life is already decided, even though the struggle goes on against great odds and with much suffering.
This wonderful man, a great leader of all the faithful, knew that each one of us has a role in building a culture of life, which has been overshadowed by a culture that is so focused and entrenched in death.
Blessed John Paul II also knew that each one of us couldn’t be out there at the coal face every single day. We have jobs, we have families, we have other committments. But he knew that each one of us can still witness to life in our every day life. In fact, a true “yes to life” begins with our family and those who are closest to us. Our challenge is to ensure that each and every day we whole-heartedly choose to say “yes to life”. Then, little by little, we will build a culture of life.
So how can we say “yes to life” today?
- PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. This is a spiritual battle. It will only be won through prayer and fasting. All other efforts pale in comparison to this mighty weapon.
- Cook a meal (or more) for a family who is expecting a baby or who has just had a baby. Help out with the laundry or house cleaning. Rejoice with them.
- Visit the elderly, the sick, the disabled. Just be a friend.
- Share a pro-life fact with a friend or family member. It could be something you see on line or read in a book. It could be about the development of the unborn child, a news item, information on euthanasia or contraception.
- Consider with your husband or wife if God is asking you to welcome another child into your family.
Choose just one of these and you will be answering John Paul II’s challenge to all of us to make the church’s “yes to life” effective and concrete.