“This is My Body, given up for you” (Lk. 22:19).
Lord, on the night before You died,
You taught your disciples
That Your death was a manifestation of love
Which all Your followers were also called to live.
You taught us that the best symbol of love
Is Your cross.
You taught us
That love means,
“I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person.”
You also help us understand
That abortion is the opposite of love, for it says,
“I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself.”
Lord Jesus,
The same words You used at the Supper
To teach us the meaning of love
Are also used by some
To justify the killing of children:
“This is my body.”
Some say, “This is my body – I can do what I want,
Even if it means killing the child.”
And You, Lord Jesus, say,
“This is My Body, given up for you, that you may live!”
Lord, help us to say and live those words as You do,
As spouse says to spouse,
And parents say to their children,
And pastors say to their congregations
And single people say to those they serve,
“This is my body, given for You…
My time, my service, my resources, my sacrifice,
Offered for You.”
Lord, teach all people
That happiness is never found
By pushing others out of the way,
But only by pushing ourselves out of the way
To make room for others,
Starting with those most in need, the unborn.
We ask this of You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life