When we listen to today’s readings,
a quiet thread rises to the surface —
the sacredness of innocent life,
and the courage it takes to guard it.
Saul is swallowed by fear and jealousy,
and fear always bends our vision.
It makes shadows look like threats.
It makes us forget the goodness
standing right before our eyes.
But Jonathan steps forward
with a steadier heart.
He speaks truth.
He recalls David’s courage,
his fidelity,
his goodness.
And he names the danger plainly:
Do not shed innocent blood.
Jonathan becomes a bridge —
a protector —
a voice that shields the vulnerable.
Then the Gospel turns our gaze to Jesus,
pressed in on every side
by people aching for healing,
for hope,
for life.
They come because they know
He is the One who restores,
the One who brings life into the light.
Even the unclean spirits recognize Him.
Life moves toward Life.
On this Day of Prayer
for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children,
we stand with Jonathan.
We stand with Jesus.
We stand with all who choose courage over fear,
truth over jealousy,
compassion over convenience.
We pray for hearts that see the dignity of every life —
the seen and the unseen,
the strong and the fragile,
the born and the unborn.
And we ask for the grace to be protectors:
to speak truth with gentleness,
to guard the vulnerable with love,
and to walk “in the light of the living,”
trusting that God is with us,
and that fear never has the final word.
Prayer
Lord of Life,
shine Your light upon every vulnerable heart.
Give us the courage of Jonathan,
the compassion of Jesus,
and the grace to protect all who cannot speak for themselves.
Make our words gentle and true,
our actions rooted in love,
and our steps firm in the path of life.
Keep us faithful as we walk in the light of the living,
trusting that You are with us
and that fear never has the final word.
Amen.
