By: The Rev. David P. Byer
“People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.'” (Luke 21:26-28)
“The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships.” (Mother Teresa). In addition to the innocent babies, mothers, fathers, children, grandmothers, grandfathers, and loved ones are damaged by abortion. It is a traumatic experience that, at a certain point, often feels like the very powers of heaven are shaking and the world is coming to an end, especially for fathers and others who were either unaware or opposed to the abortion. They ask, “Why did my child die?”
They have a right to ask that question. However, there is rarely a quick and easy answer. Jesus’s words in today’s gospel give us hope that we can go beyond the question. While no one can answer the why, God’s word can and does dispute two false answers as it points us to the God who cares for us when we grieve. First of all, even though God knows the number of our days, He never desires an individual’s death (Ezekiel 33:11). Even though we cannot say why a life was cut short, even in the womb, we can be assured that this redeemed saint is now in God’s eternal care (Ps 116:15; Rev 14:13).
The second false answer that God’s Word refutes is that the death of a child is a sign that God has abandoned you. Not true! God stands with you. He stands with those who grieve and mourn. He does not support our sin and damaging choices, yet He stands beside us, ready to extend His mercy and love and healing when we turn our hearts to Him and accept His forgiveness. Stand up and allow God to revive whatever peace and love has died in us. Bad as things may be, it is owing to the mercies of God that things are not much worse, and we become totally consumed. Instead, the Lord’s abundant mercies are new every morning and His compassions never fail.
Great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23). With confidence, our “why” can be transformed into “whom”. Every aborted child is at the foot of the heavenly throne right now, singing hosannas to the heavenly Father with all His other saints. So, what do we do now? The feelings of agony and heartbreak are like a plague on the soul. Yet, hear God’s assurance that we can and will survive the shockwave. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor 10:13). God creates a means of escape for us by offering His inexhaustible power and grace. He channels this through prayer, the hearing His Word, and the receiving the sacraments. Often overlooked is the sacrament of private confession and absolution. Private absolution is a way God has provided for us to hear personally the forgiveness and reconciliation He gives. God speaks through the priest’s mouth directly to us and no one else, as a voice sounding from heaven. God says in our Psalm today in verse 9, “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” So what do we do now? Start with what God is doing now. Let your prayers come before the one who answers all prayer. Read and listen to His Word. And partake in the sacraments.
Earnestly seek the Holy Spirit in prayer and by His power begin to allow others into your life even as you reach out to theirs.