Yesterday, June 28, 2012, may be a day remembered in history. My hope is that it is a day long forgotten because its consequences are reversed. In one quadrant of our nation, the USCCB urged American Catholics to observe a "Fortnight for Freedom," praying and fasting for religious freedom and the specific intention of the reversal of the HHS mandate. In another, The Supreme Court of the United States ruled to uphold President Obama's health care reform package, including mandatory coverage, universal converage, and the Health and Human Services mandating provision for contraception and sterilization by religious organizations. At this point, it is difficult to predict exactly what financial impact this ruling may have on our nation, our Church, much less our family. Many are predicting that if the law shows no movement or flex, healthcare as we know it will lose the efficiency, quality, and privacy that we currently enjoy. Others foretell the inevitable closing of thousands of Catholic Church run hospitals, schools, social aid agencies, and ministries. At what point will our nation recognize the flagrant flaws in the plan? Only the future will tell. Let's hope that point is not too late to reverse its effects.
In many ways, I am ashamed at my lack of involvement in this process and lack of understanding of its nuances. With two small children to care for, my hands are full, but they are not washed of guilt for my neglect for civic duty or activism. My role in the public square could be stronger, my prayer for the nation more fervent, my fasting and sacrifice for our leaders more ascetic. Still, in my core, I do feel helpless to control the fate of this weighty and powerful issue.
I wonder if my children, as adults some day, will look back on this moment of history with the same shock and disgust that many in my generation feels for those who were politically and socially active when Roe V Wade was passed. Is that extreme? Perhaps. But the more I read and strive to be an informed citizen and consumer, the more I fear the financial and spiritual consequences this decision may have on not only my children's financial future, but also their religious liberty.
St. Thomas More, pray for us.
