| Evangelium
vitae
Encyclica
Pope John Paul II. on the Value and Inviolability of Human Life
Nr. 100
"In
this great endeavour to create a new culture of life we are inspired and
sustained by the confidence that comes from knowing that the Gospel of
life, like the Kingdom of God itself, is growing and producing abundant
fruit (cf. Mk 4:26-29). There is certainly an enormous disparity between
the powerful resources available to the forces promoting the 'culture
of death' and the means at the disposal of those working for a 'culture
of life and love'. But we know that we can rely on the help of God, for
whom nothing is impossible (cf. Mt 19:26). Filled with this certainty,
and moved by profound concern for the destiny of every man and woman,
I repeat what I said to those families who carry out their challenging
mission amid so many difficulties: a great prayer
for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout
the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned
plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian
community, from every group and association, from every family and from
the heart of every believer. Jesus himself has shown us by his own example
that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against
the forces of evil (cf. Mt 4:1-11). As he taught his disciples, some demons
cannot be driven out except in this way (cf. Mk 9:29). Let us therefore
discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so
that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit:
the walls which conceal from the sight of so many of our brothers and
sisters the evil of practices and laws which are hostile to life. May
this same power turn their hearts to resolutions and goals inspired by
the civilization of life and love."
Nr.
105
"O
Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to
you do we entrust the cause of life Look down, O Mother, upon the
vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives
are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence,
of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided
mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel
of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them
the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating
it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness
to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of good
will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God,
the Creator and lover of life." |