Christmas is about hope for those who struggle

Recently, our youngest parishioner — a baby girl — was prematurely born at six months of gestation: just 1 lb., 15 ounces.

Wonderfully she is fine and was baptized in the hospital. Life is so beautiful, yet tragically threatened through abortion. During Advent as we anticipate the birth of a child, I am sorrowfully reminded of this contradiction.

The evangelist John wrote, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (Jn 1:14). John was referring both to Jesus’ birth and to his conception in the womb of the Virgin Mary. It was the beginning in time when the Son of God, fully divine, equal and eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, entered human history, fully human as us.

At Jesus’ conception (known in the Catholic tradition as the “Incarnation,” that is, “becoming flesh”), this “zygote” contained all the genetic information necessary to form a new individual. In short time, the organs, body and nervous systems were established — the embryonic stage. During this stage, the features of fingers, hands, eyes, mouth and ears become visible. The placenta attaches itself to the uterine wall and the umbilical cord develops connecting child to mother.

At this stage, Mary’s blood gave Jesus nourishment. At an early point of Mary’s gestation, Luke describes an encounter between the pregnant Virgin and her cousin Elizabeth (the Visitation). Both Elizabeth and the child in her womb joyfully welcomed Mary and the child in her womb. Elizabeth’s preborn child leapt for joy (Lk 1:41) and Elizabeth exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).

After caring for Elizabeth, Mary returned home and eventually gave birth to Jesus, “the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Lk 2:21). It is ironic and tragic that this stage of Jesus’ life (the stage, also, of all our lives) is disregarded when it comes to abortion. Ironically, our society strives to save a six-month old pre-mature child and encourages prenatal care for mother and child — yet, tragically, permits abortion, even without limits.

Gov. Murphy and certain legislators are attempting to pass into law the Reproductive Freedom Act which will allow abortion at any period of pregnancy and might even be interpreted to prevent prosecution for the infanticide of a newborn infant. It is inconsistent and tragic that we are ready to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child, yet certain state leaders are striving to have other children become a “choice.”

Believe me, having served people with disabilities and their families for more than 20 years and now pastoring in the poorest county in New Jersey where families struggle to make ends meet, I understand the gravity of bringing new life into the world. I do not wish to condemn parents who have had an abortion. God knows how many times I have counseled such people and have assured them that they are still part of our parish family.

Christmas is about the birth of a child who developed first in the womb and was born poor and homeless, yet became Savior of the world. Christmas is about hope for those who struggle, especially single, pregnant women. Christmas is about hope for a better world where parents and children are supported before birth, at birth and long after birth.

We need to passionately resist the Reproductive Freedom Act and let our governor and legislators know this. My Christmas wish is for a parish and community that sustains life more fully and wholly, from the womb to the tomb. It is not easy. Yet, as Mary and Joseph had received some vestige of support and comfort at Jesus’ birth, can we not do the same for parents and families today who face difficult situations?

For people facing difficult birth situations, call Good Counsel 24-hour Nationwide Helpline      1-800-723-8331.

Father Matthew R. Weber is pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Bridgeton.

For help:

For hope and healing after abortion, call Good Counsel’s Lumina Program at 1-877-LUMINA.1 (1-877-586-4621).

For monthly Days of Prayer and Healing, contact the Sisters of Life: 1-866-575-0075 (toll free) or at hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org. To register for men: 1-877-586-4621 (toll free) or Lumina@postabortionhelp.org.