J.M.J.
The coming of the end of the year can effect personal
reflection not only on the past twelve months but also on one’s entire life.
Such self-examination may lead one to our latest attempt
for authentic holiness, convinced that this, indeed, is God’s will.
Real conversion is possible even in areas the
sinfulness of which is disputed. Take the issue of contraception. Although the Catholic
Church is explicit on this subject, teaching straightforwardly that
contraception is always grave matter, specific segments of our society are
either ambiguous or outright supportive of this supposed “human right.”
It is asserted repeatedly that a substantial majority
of Catholic women of child-bearing age in the United States avail themselves of
some form of artificial contraception. The same could be readily maintained for
other, if not all, Western countries.
Birth control has become in many quarters the
non-discussible issue. “Leave it alone” is the standard approach, even among
certain Catholics.
Yet, the Church unhesitatingly teaches that every
instance of the marital act must be open to the transmission of human life.
This doctrine is unchangeable and binds all persons because it is derived from
the Natural Law, whose tenets pertain to everyone regardless of creed, race,
nationality, age or language.
Some Catholic dioceses have tried to instruct engaged
couples about the meaning of the Church’s teaching and their corresponding duty
to obey God’s Law in the context of their pre-marriage programs. But what about
the forgotten men and women who, for example, used contraception three decades
ago and never repented? They, too, are to be taught the truth.
Let us not forget to pray for those who are presently
contracepting, those tempted to and those who have previously. I authored the
following prayer with those persons in mind.
Prayer for the Conversion of Those Who Have Used
Contraception
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family of Nazareth,
assist those who are currently using contraception, those intending to, and
those who have previously and have not repented. Help them to see that the
conjugal embrace is sacred and meant for procreation and for deepening the
communion between husband and wife. Enlighten them to know that contraception
is a refusal to surrender to God’s will for marriage and the family. Convince
them to understand that contraception in our society ensures that abortion will
remain, the virtue of chastity will be rejected, and the fidelity and
self-giving necessary in marriage will be neglected. Inspire all to obey our
Creator and to accept the authoritative teaching of the Catholic Church that
every instance of the conjugal act is to be receptive to the possible transmission
of human life. Direct those who have contracepted to seek pardon from the Lord
so that hope and charity may reside in their souls. May they realize that
forgiveness, manifested in the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy
Communion, is possible and obligatory, and that their genuine atonement for
this sin is the desire of the Almighty Who loves us. O Holy Family of Nazareth,
guide us always! Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment