Man is called to a fullness of life which far exceeds the
dimensions of his earthly existence, because it consists in sharing the very
life of God. The loftiness of this supernatural vocation reveals the greatness
and the inestimable value of human life even in its temporal phase. Life in
time, in fact, is the fundamental condition, the initial stage and an integral
part of the entire unified process of human existence. It is a process which,
unexpectedly and undeservedly, is enlightened by the promise and renewed by the
gift of divine life, which will reach its full realization in eternity (cf. 1
Jn 3:1-2). At the same time, it is precisely this supernatural calling which
highlights the relative character of each individual's earthly life. After all,
life on earth is not an "ultimate" but a "penultimate"
reality; even so, it remains a sacred reality entrusted to us, to be preserved
with a sense of responsibility and brought to perfection in love and in the
gift of ourselves to God and to our brothers and sisters.
-Blessed John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae
Our hearts and
prayers are with all of those at the March for Life today. May Blessed John Paul II pray for them, and that the
“sacred reality” of life may be upheld and respected in our world today.
For pilgrims
visiting Washington, D.C., see our special liturgical schedule for the week.
