There aren’t many dates that you can just list like I did above when most of the world doesn’t know the significant meaning behind it.  Today is one of those dates.  I know I’m no the most educated man, but I believe there hasn’t been one single decision affirmed by the Supreme Court that divided our country more.  As we have hit the 46th Anniversary of this decision, the divisions run as deep as they ever have and it seems the hatred between the Pro-Choice advocates and Pro-Life advocates hasn’t waned either.  I do not and I will not spend my day arguing the pro’s and con’s of my faith.  I have decided to spend this day in my own little quiet retreat.  I will ask God for guidance and how I can better serve Him in regards to my love for all humanity.  I ask that if you see fit, you do the same.

This is an important day of reflection.  On days such as this, Mother Church follows the ordinary schedule for the season and will have the readings that fall in line with the universal Church calendar.  In addition to those, on important anniversary dates such as this one, Mother Church will offer a different set of readings that better address the importance of the anniversary.  January 22, 1973 is one of those anniversaries.  Since I’ve started reading the daily readings – really paying attention to the “theme” for each given day – I have never run across so many optional readings to chose from.  Mother Church offers not 1, 2 or 3 optional readings but 20 – TWENTY – options for today.  I will give you the hyperlink so you can spend time reading and reflecting on all of them.

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Lectionary: 516A

From the Masses for Various Needs and Ocasions, III. In Various Public Circumstances: 26A. For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life (Supplement, nos. 947A-947E, pg. 94), or II. For Public Needs: 14. For Peace and Justice (vol. IV, nos. 887-891).

For this Mass, there can be either one or two readings before the Gospel (in addition to the Responsorial Psalm). One reading from the Old Testament or one reading from the New Testament or one of each may be selected from among the options listed below, or from the readings For Peace and Justice (nos. 887-891).

January 22 – Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Do something great for our Lord today – say a prayer for Peace.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.