In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and this first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. During these days, we are called to reflect on the gift of life, our first gift from God, and to pray for a greater respect for human life throughout the world. Sadly, we know all too well that human life is not respected everywhere and by everyone. Gun violence kills far too many in our city and our nation. War and terrorism continue to plague our world. Refugees are forced to flee their homes because of the ravages of war. Slavery still exists throughout the world and in our own country and community as human trafficking. In our nation, minorities and the poor are too often left behind in education and health care. The death penalty is still in force in Missouri and throughout our country. And far too many unborn children, who could enrich the lives of parents and families and communities, are aborted year after year.  

What should be our response to this sad reality? I think our responses are going to be as varied as we are. Not one of us can do everything, but all of us are called to do something to promote the cause of human rights, human dignity, and human life. Some are called to advocacy, to speak to authorities, and to work for justice. Some are called to serve those who are suffering and to assist them in their need. Some are called to use their talents for writing, for organizing, for speaking, or for fundraising. All of us are called to prayer – to pray for those who suffer because they are not respected and to pray for a greater respect and love for all people.

In these United States, all adults can vote for candidates and initiatives that defend and protect the sanctity of human life, and this November, respect for life is on the ballot in Missouri and other states. Our bishops and the Missouri Catholic Conference urge Catholics and all people of good will to vote against Amendment 3 on the Missouri ballot this November. Amendment 3 would codify abortion as a right in our state, and voting no would strengthen our commitment to defend unborn life. The vague language of the amendment is also troublesome for healthcare providers and parents, taking away any commonsense guardrails against abortion. For more information on the Catholic stance on Amendment 3, please visit the online resources provided by the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Missouri Catholic Conference. 

So much attention is being given to Amendment 3 in Missouri, but all of us should inform our conscience about the many issues and candidates on the ballot next month. We will be voting on sports betting, a new casino, an increase to the minimum wage, and paid sick leave, among other issues. As we seek the best Catholic response to these initiatives, we must consider how each of them promotes human life and human dignity, especially for the poor, so bring all this to prayer as you discern and decide. Besides the issues on the ballot, how do the positions of candidates for President, Senator, Congress, Governor, or other officials promote the sanctity of human life or care for those most in need? Granted, this is not an easy question to answer! Pope Francis said that both candidates for President are against life, and said that Catholics should vote for the “lesser of two evils”, but did not tell Catholics how to vote. This is because each of us must inform our conscience, pray, seek the counsel of others, pray some more, and make the best choice we can make in our heart of hearts. Not an easy task, so we ask God for wisdom and grace in voting, as in all things.  

I am grateful to the parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland who are devoted to the Respect Life effort, in a particular way, the members of our Respect Life Committee and our Living Justice Ministries. This month, our Respect Life Committee is sponsoring the annual  collection for Our Lady’s Inn, which provides a home and care for women experiencing difficulties in their pregnancy. Please take a baby bottle from the back of Church and return it with your donations next weekend, or make a donation to Our Lady’s Inn as you are able. Let us continue to pray and work for a culture of life!    

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us and for a greater respect for human rights, human dignity, and human life!