By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Some thoughts the day before Good Friday and three days before Easter…
People of many different faiths…and of no faith at all…are attracted to the pro-life movement because it stands for truth that does not change, justice for those who cannot win it for themselves, and ultimately hope in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
For Christians in particular, their faith reinforces the idea of an inherent and universal right to life. That most assuredly included children. Christ welcomed children with a glad and open heart, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.
In Matthew 9:14, Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
He saw in them a glimpse of heaven—the heaven to which all Christians aspire. And he viewed the precious little ones as the keys to his kingdom.
Meanwhile, in John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth* and the life.” He himself became synonymous with life, and the inherent dignity and value of life.
To Christians, Jesus was truly God and fully man. Therefore, an act of violence against a child is an outrageously aggressive act against Jesus himself. Failing to attempt to peacefully stop the violence is a transgression against both the human and the Savior: Did he not say (Matthew 25:45). “What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.”
For Christians, the call to defend life comes from Christ himself. It is a sacred responsibility to God and to one’s fellow man. And the call is universal—meaning that everyone is invited to take part in life-saving work.
Easter is the most sacred day in the Christian calendar because it is the day when Jesus overcame death and defeated the power of sin. We know the ultimate victory for life has already been won, but we also know there are many skirmishes along the way, challenges which require us to do our part to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone from the preborn child to the frail elderly grandmother.
With so many politicians embracing the brutality of late-term abortions and beyond, we have seen a great deal of darkness in recent months. But we have also seen the sunshine provided by courageous office-holders standing up for life with a vigor and vitality that are inspiring.
We know that, in the end, just as sure as Easter Sunday follows Good Friday, LIFE wins. May all who labor in the vineyard of the pro-life movement enjoy a happy, peaceful, and abundantly blessed Easter!