Fr Richard's homily for Monday of the 3rd Week of Eastertide. Mass celebrated for 'the protection of unborn children'
Homily: Truth and falsehood
The story of St Stephen shows us the splendour of truth
against the damage of falsehood. In today’s reading Stephen, filled with the grace
and power of the Holy Spirit, is working great signs and miracles. He’s preaching
the Gospel of the Risen Christ who is Truth itself. For some reason, the
authorities are threatened by this Truth. So, they concoct a series of false
accusations to condemn Stephen. In the story, we see how there’s no “middle
ground”– either something is true or it is false.
The story of Stephen’s arrest brings to mind many truths
that are undermined by falsity in our day. One truth that it’s difficult to
ignore on this date, 27th April, is this: the sanctity of human life
from the moment of conception.
Today is the 52nd anniversary of the
implementation of the Abortion Act. Since then, tragically more than nine million lives
have been lost. Even at this time of crisis, when you’d think all efforts would
be concentrated on saving life, temporary measures have been introduced so that
women can have ‘medical’ abortions at home by taking two pills delivered through
the post having had a brief telephone consultation. Pro-life groups warn us about efforts in parliament to make these measures
permanent and ask us to write to our MPs to oppose them.
This is of course always a difficult subject to speak about.
We know in many cases there are all sorts of pressures from different quarters
that can influence an abortion decision. It’s why it’s important to support
those pro-life organisations that offer help to women in crisis pregnancy situations and also post-abortion counselling – both with our prayers and any practical assistance we’re able to give.
What has emerged in the last five decades is a rejection of
the truth – that human life begins from the moment of conception and that these
tiny human beings have the right to life. This truth, backed by science, the Church
firmly upholds: that from the moment of fertilisation, “a life is begun which
is neither that of the father nor the mother; it is rather the life of a new
human being with his [or her] own growth.”(1) Many “falsehoods” have been invented
over the years to counter this truth, chief among which: “it’s just a bunch of
cells.”
Ultimately, though, we know the truth always wins, and the
truth sets us free (Jn 8:32). In the face of all the false statements against
him, Stephen’s face appeared like the “face of an angel” because he knew he was
staying loyal to the Truth, Jesus Christ, who reveals the preciousness of human
life made in God’s image and likeness. We pray that all people, particularly in
positions of authority, will “[choose] the way of truth” as today’s Psalm says;
that they will protect human life from the moment of conception until natural
death.
Footnote
1. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Declaration on Procured Abortion, 1974, 12.
Footnote
1. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Declaration on Procured Abortion, 1974, 12.
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