Abortion, Worship, and Justice

By Fr. Frank A. Pavone

In the Old Testament prophecies of Christ, we frequently encounter the word "justice." Jeremiah, for example, says that the Messiah will be called "The Lord our justice." The psalmist declares, "Justice shall flourish in His time." The word "justice," furthermore, has a specific meaning for the prophets. An act of justice is an act of intervention to save the helpless, to rescue the needy. The one who worships the God of justice, therefore, is expected to do justice, to protect the weak and provide for the needy. In the absence of this, worship is displeasing to God.

In Amos, the Lord declares,
"I hate, I despise your feasts... Take away from me the noise of your songs... I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream." (Amos 5:21-24)

In Isaiah we read,
"When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; for your hands are full of blood... Seek justice, correct oppression." (Isaiah 1:15,17)

We who know Christ, the King of Justice, must do justice for the pre-born, who are most in need of intervention. So many attend Mass and receive the sacraments, and yet pay no attention to the pro-life struggle or, worse, take a "pro-choice" (i.e. pro-abortion) position. The warnings of the prophets apply to them.

Christ in the Eucharist is Justice Incarnate. In the miracle of the Mass, we have the definitive victory of justice over evil, of life over death. We have there Christ's Risen Body, and His renewal of the Passion and Resurrection, which destroys the power of death. In the Eucharist, we touch the final victory of justice for the pre-born and for all humanity. The prayers of the offertory ask that God will take what "earth has given and human hands have made" and let it become "the Bread of Life." Likewise, he takes our human efforts on behalf of justice for the pre-born, and transforms them into victory. What He does in the Eucharist, He will ultimately do in the whole universe when He comes again.

In the Eucharist, the power of abortion is broken. We are given a foretaste of definitive, eternal life and justice. May all who love justice find refuge in the Eucharistic Lord, and allow Him to bring us to victory!