As we approach Holy Week it’s important to examine our conscience and to ask ourselves, “Have I looked at mothers and fathers who submit to abortion with kindness or with aversion?”
God gives us rights from the moment of conception
Abortion is a heinous crime that cries out to God for vengeance. While it is true that the unborn child is the innocent
victim whose life is taken during the early stages of human development, one must ask, what of the mothers and fathers who agreed to abort their unborn child? Are they aware of the gravity of their choice? If so, do they mourn the death of their unborn child? Do they hide their grief and their guilt so as not to be judged by others?
Saint Francis of Assisi wrote in one of his admonitions,
“ Blessed is the man who bears with his neighbor according to the frailty of his nature,” (admonitions of St. Francis).
To be aware of the deep-seated guilt in the conscience of the post abortion parent, instead of judgment and indignation, requires spiritual sacrifice and often the courage of the crucified Christ who forgave rather than condemned. This kind of courage requires sacrifice and strength to go against our natural temptation to lash out at such people.
Why does Saint Francis say that we’re blessed if we bear with [our] neighbor’s human frailty? If we look at the story of the woman caught in adultery, we will find the answer to this question.
Jesus asks her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
“Go now and leave your life of sin,” (John 8:10-11)
Kindness toward the post abortive parent, along with encouragement to avoid this and other sins, is to do as Christ does. That is how we become blessed. Along with blessings that God may bestow on us for such mercy and kindness, to behave toward the sinner as Christ did draws us closer into his blessed nature.
Infra-red photo of the hurricane
Men and women who struggle with the guilt of abortion are carrying a cross, but they’re not moving in a forward direction. Each day is another walk around the same circle of grief, shame, and guilt. People of faith have a moral duty
to point those who carry such a cross in the right direction. This is a spiritual work of mercy.
We must remember Christ’s words, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me,” Luke 9:23.
We cannot erase a chapter from another person’s history book, nor should we want to do so. However, we can point the sinner toward Christ. We have a duty to counsel the sinner to carry the cross that that’s a consequence of abortion and turn it into a holy life, denying themselves of self-pity, instead following Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Mass, and daily prayer.
Those who treat their neighbor as they would want to be treated are truly blessed. Christ’s love and mercy shines through us.
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Franciscans of Life 
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