< <  

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

  > >
Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30

View Readings
Similar Reflections

"i will never forget you" (is 49:15)

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." —Isaiah 49:15

Isaiah prophesied the above message from the Lord God over 2,500 years ago. At that time, abortion was unheard of. Children were considered blessings from the Lord. The strongest possible human bond was that which existed between mother and child. Yet even then, some mothers "forgot" their children and allowed them to be sacrificed to pagan gods (e.g. Lam 4:10).

At present, surgical and chemical abortions occur in staggering numbers. In some countries, women abort more than twice as many babies as they keep, whether voluntarily or by coercion. Often men pressure women to "eliminate" the "mistake" by having an abortion. Entire generations of children have grown up knowing that mothers forget and abort their children. Is it any wonder masses of people don't realize God loves them? (Is 49:14)

Isaiah's stirring prophecy rings even more true today. God "will never forget you" (Is 49:15). "God has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you' " (Heb 13:5). Yet how many of these confused souls will ever pick up a Bible, much less hear these consoling prophecies? You may be the only "Bible" some people ever encounter. Repent of any part you may have played in not wanting or loving children. "Make disciples" by generously conceiving and bearing children (Mt 28:19). Love your children as "the Father loves the Son" (Jn 5:20). Help lost and hurting people to know God will never forget them.

Prayer:  Father, may parents love their children to such an extent that others will be able to see in their love a reflection of Your own personal love for them.

Promise:  "I solemnly assure you, the man who hears My word and has faith in Him Who sent Me possesses eternal life." —Jn 5:24

Praise:  Each day, Robert meditates on the daily Mass readings.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 13, 2012

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.