Pastor’s Corner — November 9th, 2022
Proposal 3 Passes: A Truly Sad Day For Michigan
Here are a few early thoughts on the sad fact that the majority of Michiganders voted to approve Proposal 3. (I woke up this morning (Wednesday-day after election) pretty sick, so I’ll try to keep my comments brief).
That this passed is simply terrible for Michigan. It’s terrible for unborn babies, vulnerable pregnant women, families, parents, confused children, doctors, and civil society. While it may take many years for current laws on the books to be ruled unconstitutional, the writing is on the wall that we’ll see our basic freedoms and protections of women and children slowly eroded away by the tyrannical waters of secular ideology.
While it’s true some people probably knew exactly how extreme this amendment was, I’m convinced that a significant portion of those who voted Yes on Prop 3 didn’t understand the radical consequences of an amendment to the constitution as it was worded. No matter what anyone says, this amendment is radical, extreme, and evil. It’s as simple as that. If people voting simply thought that it was merely “Restoring Roe” without even seeing the text and knowing the consequences, then it makes sense why so many people voted for it.
Therefore, if you find out that someone you know voted Yes for it, it’s important not to judge their hearts. Many people are simply deceived or don’t know what they’re doing. There are others that out of a false sense of compassion for the plight of vulnerable pregnant women, have bought into the lie that killing children is a solution to their difficult situation. Others still might vote pro-abortion because they haven’t spiritually resolved their own cooperation with an abortion. Remember, publicly supporting evil can involve a complex inner moral struggle in the heart. Jesus has come to heal the human heart and set us free from bondage. But not everyone personally knows the freedom and love he offers. Remember as I’ve said before, people who promote abortion are not of the Devil; they’re just fooled by him. Let’s pray for the conversion of those who are confused and/or struggling spiritually.
I’m proud of all of our parishioners who prayed and fought like heaven for this effort. I’m proud of all of the efforts to get the word out about this extreme amendment. Thank you for being faithful to the call of God to protect the innocent.
I don’t understand why this happened. But I know God will bring good out of this. As the world gets darker, remember that the light gets brighter. My prayer is that we will hit our knees in prayer and cry out to God for justice, pouring out our broken hearts to him, seeking his face. My prayer is that we will once again recognize more clearly that the solution to our social problems lies in transformation of the human heart, in helping people come to know the saving love Jesus who alone can change and heal our hearts.
In the coming days, as we press into his love, let’s seek the face of the Lord and ask him these questions in faith. “Jesus, what are you doing in this moment in the Church? How are you loving me in this difficult time? How do you want me to respond to your saving love in this time?" As we sincerely pray these prayers, we will keep our focus on him, who alone is victorious over all sin and death. Focusing on him, we position ourselves to cooperate in advancing his kingdom of love and mercy.
(You may want to also see, "Upon the Passing of Proposition 3: A Message of Hope from Bishop Boyea")
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr Mathias