The recent ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to overturn Roe vs. Wade, the case that made abortions federally acceptable in the United States, has stirred up emotions of every kind.   If you are thinking “We Won!” you would be right.  We won one battle, but there are wounded from both sides that need tending. 

The discussion has come up in recent conversations with supporters of both sides.  When talking to someone who lands on the pro-choice side, do not gloat, boast, or brag.  Keep in mind, this person may have been damaged by the effects of abortion.  They may have been incapable of handling what happened to them and thought abortion was the only way out.  Even if deep inside, they are seeing the truth, the guilt they are feeling is more than likely overwhelming them. 

So – How do you handle someone who is clearly in opposition with the Church, especially when it is in reaction to events such as the SCOTUS ruling?  Well, you would handle it just as Christ asked us to!  With compassion and love. Jesus repeatedly gave us the commandment to love one another as He loves us (see both John 13:34 and John 15:17).  This includes those with differing opinions. 

In my many years of attending and facilitating corporate training, one point that was made repeatedly is that someone’s perception of a situation is their reality.  Meaning, if someone perceives the pre-born as something undeserving of life, then their opinions will support this way of believing (think of all the arguments supporting abortion).  It is up to us, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit that we do not judge, but simply state the love God has for everyone.  No matter what was done, He not only loves us, but He is also in love with us.  It doesn’t matter.  His love is unconditional.  There is no sin so big that it becomes greater than God’s love.

People struggling with worthiness, with the weight of their sins, only need to be aware of God’s love.  They already know they have sinned and are working very hard to make that sin “acceptable”.  If they can instead be turned towards God’s love and forgiveness, the sin no longer matters and no longer needs to be justified.  The only thing that matters is they can rest in the comfort of His love.

Please continue to pray.  Pray that those who are struggling find the solace and comfort that can only be discovered in the embrace of Jesus Christ.  Pray that we, as Catholic Christians can be the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to bring this truth to someone who needs it.