Pastor's Letter Jan 21: Pray and Fast for the Respect for Human Life

Dear Parishioners,
    On Jan. 22 each year the Church in the United States of America observes a particular day for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for the violation to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. On Jan. 22, 1973 the Supreme Court legalized abortion in this country.
    From the very beginning, the Catholic apostolic Church has held that human life begins at conception and human life is created in image of God. Therefore, human life is sacred and abortion is taking of a human life. The act of abortion is a grave sin and an offense against the Creator and a crime against humanity.
   Please join the Church in the US on Monday, Jan. 22 to pray and fast for the end of abortion and respect for human life. Mass that day will be at 8:30 am at Valley. The Mass will be offered for this intention of respect of the dignity of human life.
   In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear the call of the first disciples, it is significant that we are told what each of the two groups left behind in order to follow Jesus. For Peter and Andrew, we are told that they left behind their nets. For James and John, we are told that they left behind their father, Zebedee. These details tell us that following Jesus sometimes requires us to let go of our attachment to material possessions (nets) and relationships (father). The call of discipleship is unique for each person, yet for everyone it will require letting go of anything and anyone that holds us back from following the Lord.
   In the Early Church, especially during the time of persecution, following Jesus could require great sacrifice. Sometimes people’s possessions were confiscated when they were discovered to be Christian. Other times, people were excluded from their families and friendships because of their decision to follow Jesus. If a person was not willing to let go of those attachments, then they would most likely falter in their faith and end up failing in their discipleship. The examples of Peter, Andrew, James, and John are given to us as an encouragement to let nothing hold us back from the Lord.