Greetings on this the Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 26:1-6; PS 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Notes: The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
The case understood to be a challenge to the legality of Roe v Wade, 1973 and following.
The State of Mississippi is requesting:
- A rejection of Federal control of abortions and revert back to State control pre-1973.
- Upholding the new MS legislation banning nearly all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Here is a link to the actual oral arguments given.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRe4mYcEqBM
- Undue Burden Standard – to be newly defined, rejecting Casey standard.
- Viability Standard – to be discarded.
- Stare Decisis – legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.
- Federal Assertion of Citizen Rights when in conflict with State law.
- State Control higher order than Federal control due to either explicit division or constitutional silence.
- People Standard when issue is not easily agreed to (local legislative, variability).
- Right of Privacy.
- Reliance Standard (predictable treatment across State lines and across time).
- Personhood concept (legal sense).
- Fetal Pain (consciousness question vis-à-vis biological responsiveness).
- Woman’s Autonomy v Legal Control.
It is always a terrible question to stand in-between a Mother and her fetus as arbiter of their relationship. “You have to pick. That’s the fundamental problem,” Kavanaugh said. “And one interest has to prevail over the other at any given point in time.”
First reading
Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
He humbles those in high places,
and the lofty city he brings down;
He tumbles it to the ground,
levels it with the dust.
It is trampled underfoot by the needy,
by the footsteps of the poor.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
Alleluia Verse
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call him while he is near.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
It is of great importance to remember that G-d is the real judge.
Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam dayan ha’emet.
Translates to : Blessed are You, Adonai Our God, Ruler of the Universe, the True Judge.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 