The articles regarding President Obama’s contraception mandate keep piling up. Everyone is weighing in, whether it be Catholic bishops or secular sources evaluating the Constitutional consequences of this mandate. President Obama stirred up a hornets’ nest with this decision as it has now brought to the forefront questions of religious freedom, healthcare, and conscience in America. Unfortunately, this issue also has brought out the deeply seated prejudice against the Catholic Church that many still harbor in this country.
We really do stand at a juncture in the USA. This is not like previous political fights like raising the debt ceiling or passing a budget. In those fights, the various sides can make compromises and deals since the issue at hand is usually morally neutral. But various religions cannot compromise their morality. Unlike the typical politician that usually bends in whatever direction that will result in reelection, religions just can’t redefine intrinsic evils to make their situation politically convenient. And it doesn’t matter if Obama gives Catholics one year, ten years, or ten centuries to comply with this mandate. The Church’s position will be the same because morality is not a democracy.
I encourage you to read these articles and share them. Sign petitions, make donations, and spread the word as we face this very real assault on our religious liberty. I wish I had the time to comment on each one of these articles, but there are just too many outlets now covering this story. Read the articles, read the comments, and pray for the conversion of hearts in our politicians and those who have so much hatred towards the Church.
- The National Catholic Register says we have to do more than pray.
- Recall President Obama’s own words about respecting the conscience of others.
- The bishops’ call to prayer and fasting.
- Read the comments in this article to get a taste of the hatred many still have towards Catholics
- Want to know more about prejudices against Catholics in America? Read this interesting book.
- To put it bluntly, the Obama administration has said “To Hell with Catholics!“
- But we can win this fight!
- Support those who are fighting this mandate.
Remember the Fourth Joyful Mystery and how Simeon’s patience and endurance eventually paid off when he finally saw the baby Jesus. He waited in the temple his whole life when others probably told him his mission was pointless and silly. Pray that we too will show that same level of steadfastness as Simeon in this assault against our cherished values. Right now we are like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane in the First Sorrowful Mystery. I fear that we will have trials ahead. But like Jesus, we will find strength through God and the Holy Spirit to endure any challenge this world throws at us.
