DR Squared: Thursday Of The Third Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 10:19-25

Having therefore, brethren, a confidence in the entering into the holies by the blood of Christ; A new and living way which he hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, And a high priest over the house of God:  Let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with clean water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised), And let us consider one another, to provoke unto charity and to good works:  Not forsaking our assembly, as some are accustomed; but comforting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 24 (23):6; V. 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

R. This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of               Jacob.

V. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.

     For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers. 

V. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?

     The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain,

V. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.

     This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of               Jacob.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:21-25

And he said to them: Doth a candle come in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be made manifest: neither was it made secret, but that it may come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said to them: Take heed what you hear. In what measure you shall mete, it shall be measured to you again, and more shall be given to you. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, that also which he hath shall be taken away from him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

January 2025 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when praying the Morning Offering:

For The Right To An Education. Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.

A reflection for this intention can be found here.

(Mea cupla. I was so intent on my new 'blogging project I forgot to post this at the proper time.)

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Third Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 10:11-18

And every priest indeed standeth daily ministering, and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sitteth on the right hand of God, From henceforth expecting, until his enemies be made his footstool. For by one oblation he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. And the Holy Ghost also doth testify this to us. For after that he said:  And this is the testament which I will make unto them after those days, saith the Lord. I will give my laws in their hearts, and on their minds will I write them:  And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more. Now where there is a remission of these, there is no more an oblation for sin.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 110 (109):4b; V. 1, 2, 3, 4

R. Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

V. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand:

     Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.

V. The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion:

     rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.

V. With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints:

     from the womb before the day star I begot thee.

V. The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent:

     Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:1-20

And again he began to teach by the sea side; and a great multitude was gathered together unto him, so that he went up into a ship, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude was upon the land by the sea side. And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his doctrine:  Hear ye: Behold, the sower went out to sow. And whilst he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and ate it up. And other some fell upon stony ground, where it had not much earth; and it shot up immediately, because it had no depth of earth. And when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And some fell upon good ground; and brought forth fruit that grew up, and increased and yielded, one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred. And he said: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, the twelve that were with him asked him the parable. And he said to them: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them that are without, all things are done in parables:  That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand: lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he saith to them: Are you ignorant of this parable? and how shall you know all parables? He that soweth, soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown, and as soon as they have heard, immediately Satan cometh and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these likewise are they that are sown on the stony ground: who when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but are only for a time: and then when tribulation and persecution ariseth for the word they are presently scandalized. And others there are who are sown among thorns: these are they that hear the word, And the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts after other things entering in choke the word, and it is made fruitless. And these are they who are sown upon the good ground, who hear the word, and receive it, and yield fruit, the one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest And Doctor Of The Church

Frist Reading:  Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16

Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me:  And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold in comparison of her, is as a little sand, and silver in respect to her shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out. And God hath given to me to speak as I would, and to conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given me: because he is the guide of wisdom, and the director of the wise:  For in his hand are both we, and our words, and all wisdom, and the knowledge and skill of works.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118):12;V. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.

V. By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words.

V. With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments.

V. Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.

V. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.

V. With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth.

V. I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 23:8-12

But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Third Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading: Hebrews 9:15, 24-28

And therefore he is the mediator of the new testament: that by means of his death, for the redemption of those transgressions, which were under the former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For Jesus is not entered into the holies made with hands, the patterns of the true: but into heaven itself, that he may appear now in the presence of God for us. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holies, every year with the blood of others:  For then he ought to have suffered often from the beginning of the world: but now once at the end of ages, he hath appeared for the destruction of sin, by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment:  So also Christ was offered once to exhaust the sins of many; the second time he shall appear without sin to them that expect him unto salvation.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98 (97):1a; V. 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things.

V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things.

    His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

V. The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the       Gentiles.

     He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel.

V. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

    Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

V. Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

    With long trumpets, and sound of cornet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king:

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:22-30

And the scribes who were come down from Jerusalem, said: He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of devils he casteth out devils. And after he had called them together, he said to them in parables: How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan be risen up against himself, he is divided, and cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into the house of a strong man and rob him of his goods, unless he first bind the strong man, and then shall he plunder his house. Amen I say to you, that all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and the blasphemies wherewith they shall blaspheme:  But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, shall never have forgiveness, but shall be guilty of an everlasting sin. Because they said: He hath an unclean spirit.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year C)

First Reading:  Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Then Esdras the priest brought the law before the multitude of men and women, and all those that could understand, in the first day of the seventh month. And he read it plainly in the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before the men, and the women, and all those that could understand: and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book. And Esdras the scribe stood upon a step of wood, which he had made to speak upon, And Esdras opened the book before all the people: for he was above all the people: and when he had opened it, all the people stood. And Esdras blessed the Lord the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, amen: lifting up their hands: and they bowed down, and adored God with their faces to the ground. And they read in the book of the law of God distinctly and plainly to be understood: and they understood when it was read. And Nehemias (he is Athersatha) and Esdras the priest and scribe, and the Levites who interpreted to all the people, said: This is a holy day to the Lord our God: do not mourn, nor weep: for all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. And he said to them: Go, eat fat meats, and drink sweet wine, and send portions to them that have not prepared for themselves: because it is the holy day of the Lord, and be not sad: for the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Responsorial Psalm: cf. John 6:63c; V. Psalm 19 (18):8, 9, 10, 15

R. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life.

V. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls:

     (T)he testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

V. The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts:

    (T)he commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

V. The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever:

     (T)he judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

V. And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please:

    and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.

    O Lord, my helper, and my redeemer.   

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27

For as the body is one, and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink. For the body also is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were the eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him. And if they all were one member, where would be the body? But now there are many members indeed, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand: I need not thy help; nor again the head to the feet: I have no need of you. Yea, much more those that seem to be the more feeble members of the body, are more necessary. And such as we think to be the less honourable members of the body, about these we put more abundant honour; and those that are our uncomely parts, have more abundant comeliness. But our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, giving to that which wanted the more abundant honour, That there might be no schism in the body; but the members might be mutually careful one for another. And if one member suffer any thing, all the members suffer with it; or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it.  27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members of member. And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors; after that miracles; then the graces of healing, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a narration of the things that have been accomplished among us; According as they have delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word:  It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mayest know the verity of those words in which thou hast been instructed.

And Jesus returned in the power of the spirit, into Galilee, and the fame of him went out through the whole country. And he taught in their synagogues, and was magnified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he was brought up: and he went into the synagogue, according to his custom, on the sabbath day; and he rose up to read. And the book of Isaias the prophet was delivered unto him. And as he unfolded the book, he found the place where it was written:  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Wherefore he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the contrite of heart, To preach deliverance to the captives, and sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of reward. And when he had folded the book, he restored it to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Feast Of The Conversion Of Saint Paul, Apostle

First Reading:  Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22

And he saith: I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the truth of the law of the fathers, zealous for the law, as also all you are this day:  Who persecuted this way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the ancients: from whom also receiving letters to the brethren, I went to Damascus, that I might bring them bound from thence to Jerusalem to be punished. And it came to pass, as I was going, and drawing nigh to Damascus at midday, that suddenly from heaven there shone round about me a great light:  And falling on the ground, I heard a voice saying to me: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered: Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me: I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me, saw indeed the light, but they heard not the voice of him that spoke with me. And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me: Arise, and go to Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things that thou must do. And whereas I did not see for the brightness of that light, being led by the hand by my companions, I came to Damascus. And one Ananias, a man according to the law, having testimony of all the Jews who dwelt there, Coming to me, and standing by me, said to me: Brother Saul, look up. And I the same hour looked upon him. But he said: The God of our fathers hath preordained thee that thou shouldst know his will, and see the Just One, and shouldst hear the voice from his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness to all men, of those things which thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, invoking his name.

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And Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, And asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus; and suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. And he trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the men who went in company with him, stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus. And he was there three days, without sight, and he did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias. And he said: Behold I am here, Lord. And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street that is called Strait, and seek in the house of Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.)  13 But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name. And the Lord said to him: Go thy way; for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest; that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and rising up, he was baptized. And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some days. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. And all that heard him, were astonished, and said: Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this name: and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests? But Saul increased much more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Mark 16:15; V. Psalm 117 (116):1bc, 2

R. Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel

V. O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

V. For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 16:15-18

And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Francis De Sales, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  Ephesians 3:8-12

To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ, And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things:  That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church, According to the eternal purpose, which he made, in Christ Jesus our Lord:  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 37:30a; V. 3-4, 5-6, 30-31

R. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

V. Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches.

     Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee the requests of thy heart.

V. Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.

     And he will bring forth thy justice as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

V. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom: and his tongue shall speak judgment.

     The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted.  

Gospel Reading:  John 15:9-17

As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Second Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 7:25—8:6

Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, in offering himself. For the law maketh men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath, which was since the law, the Son who is perfected for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens,  A minister of the holies, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer. If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law, Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount. But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament, which is established on better promises.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):8a, 9a; V. 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17

R. Then said I, Behold I come. That I should do thy will:

V. Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; but thou hast pierced ears for me.

    Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:  Then said I, Behold I come.

V. In the head of the book it is written of me That I should do thy will:

    O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart.

V. I have declared thy justice in a great church,

    (L)o, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

V. Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee:

    (A)nd let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:7-12

But Jesus retired with his disciples to the sea; and a great multitude followed him from Galilee and Judea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan. And they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing the things which he did, came to him. And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he healed many, so that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had evils. And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him: and they cried, saying:  Thou art the Son of God. And he strictly charged them that they should not make him known. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Truth Marching To Justice

The time has come once again.

The country once again remembers the landmark decisions made by the United State Supreme Court this day in 1973. The highest judiciary of this land deemed, in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, that a woman could legally end her pregnancy via abortion. On that day as well the first March For Life was held.

Fifty-two years later, that demonstration still takes place. (It will happen on Friday this year.) It has grown in magnitude and stature ever since, spawning marches at state capitals and other sites around the country and world. The only other event with such gravitas is the Walk For Life West Coast, held in San Francisco, CA since 2005. (It will happen on Saturday this year.)

The reason still remains the same. It is the affirmation of the dignity and worth of every human being, starting at conception. It is the appreciation and valuing of motherhood (and, indirectly, fatherhood) and children. It is a reminder of how precious and beautiful life and living is.

With the recent inauguration of Mr. Donald J. Trump for his second term as President of the United States, the pro-life forces are once again buoyed by an ally in the White House, as demonstrated by his actions in his first term. The pendulum will once again swing towards them, as opposed to the actions of the last occupant of the Oval Office, Mr. Joseph R. Biden, Jr., who did everything in his power for the pro-abortion faction.

{I have used in the past the term "poor-(pro-)choice" to describe those who want unrestricted access to abortion at any time during pregnancy. This will be the last time I will use that phrase. I have been persuaded by the commentary of the pro-life side and the actions of the pro-abortion side that they do not want "choice". They have even dropped that label from their statements. Therefore, that moniker is no longer accurate.}

The abortion issue is still the largest battle front in the culture war. Evident since Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe and Doe, the country has seen numerous legislative initiatives at both state and federal levels to establish what limits are allowed. Each side has seen what they deem to be success. But the argument (in its negative connotation) still literally rages, with no end in sight and no resolution to be had.

So what happens this weekend is still necessary. It is, in a way, the pro-life's New Year's Eve. We come together to celebrate our successes and renew our resolution. We gather to be inspired and reinvigorated. We congregate at places of power and centers of help and hope to bear witness to our cause.

We come to affirm the words found in Deuteronomy (30:15, 19b):

See, I have today set before you life and good, death and evil....I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.

We continue to "Choose Life".