March 1, Monday Lenten Weekday

Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.-- Psalm 103:10

Mass readings: Daniel 9:4-10 / Luke 6:36-38

A Changed Heart -- Mine!

Until our move to Kansas in 2005, I had never heard of George Tiller, the Wichita abortionist who was responsible for the deaths of more than 60,000 babies. He routinely performed third trimester abortions a few miles from our home. How I hated George Tiller! But then I began a daily rosary to Our Lady of Guadalupe, praying for his conversion. Over time, as I imagined the oppressive condition of the abortionist's soul, God began to change my heart! Long before Dr. Tiller's murder on May 31, 2009, I came to feel true compassion for him.

I must confess that abortion in America has reached pandemic proportions under my generation's watch! Along with the prophet Daniel, I, too, must pray, ''Ah, Lord, we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws'' (Dn 9:5).

Prayer: Justice, O Lord, is on Your side. Please bring our nation to repentance.