Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(I Samuel 1:1-8; Mark 1:14-20)
The year 2022 promises to be tumultuous. It is very possible that the Supreme Court of
the United States will overturn Roe vs. Wade.
Riots are likely to ensue as some will see such a decision as a betrayal
of women. Pro-life advocates should
understand, however, that constriction of abortion does not mean arrival of the
Kingdom of God. Indeed, it will mean almost
the opposite.
In today’s gospel Jesus preaches “the Gospel of God.” He equates it with the coming of the kingdom
of peace and justice. It will be
characterized by people coming together to listen to one another and to work
together. It will be like Elkanah’s
giving a double portion to Hannah because she is depressed.
The end of abortion on demand is not the end of abortion. Nor is it the end of child neglect or poverty. For these likewise great objectives we must
work with people of goodwill. We must
double our efforts to approach something like God’s Kingdom.
