#9DaysforLife—What's Your Story?
By: Anne McGuire
I'll never forget it. Something about his gaze (both literal and metaphorical) struck me more than anything else: it lacked any trace of trying to obtain something from me. Instead of focusing on achieving personal objectives, this was someone who simply looked at me and interacted with me for my own sake. It wasn't a romantic situation, so as I tried to process why I felt so deeply moved, I suddenly realized: I had experienced the gaze of Christ.
That's what being pro-life is about. (Bear with me.) As Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., former chair of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, once noted, "we discover our worth when we discover our true identity found in the unchangeable, permanent fact that we are created in God's image and likeness and called to an eternal destiny with him."
Being pro-life means standing in the face of what Pope Francis calls the "throwaway culture," which looks out for its own gains, casting people aside as though their lives are not worth living. It means seeing people through the eyes of Christ and loving them with his heart.
Being pro-life is about cherishing and protecting each person and his or her life at every stage and in every circumstance. That's why the U. S. Catholic bishops are asking us to participate in 9 Days for Life--a digital pilgrimage from January 21-29.
Do you have every intention of praying daily, but often forget? There's an app to help you get started! (It has customizable reminders to pray the bishops' annual, pro-life novena.) Not into apps? You can join the Facebook event, download the novena online, or sign up for daily emails or text messages at 9daysforlife.com.
As part of 9 Days for Life, the bishops are also asking us to share our story with others. How?
Post a 5-15 second video of why you are participating in 9 Days for Life, how you participated that day, or what being pro-life means to you. Or, print out the customizable sign, fill it in, and post a selfie with the sign. When sharing the video or picture, use the hashtag #9DaysforLife; if you're posting on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, be sure to tag @USCCB—you might see your post shared!
Also, check out other creative suggestions for participating at 9daysforlife.com. Consider having an informal Coffee and Conversation to discuss some of the articles referenced in the novena, or host a potluck with friends and do one day of the novena together after the meal.
These days are a great opportunity to not only dive deeper into what it means to be pro-life, but also to share with others the joyful truth that every life is worth living. Sometimes all it takes is simply stopping long enough to really see someone.
What does being pro-life mean to you? Get started at 9daysforlife.com!
Anne McGuire is the Assistant Director of Education and Outreach for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.