Bottom line: A Rachel's Vineyard Retreat fulfills Jesus' promise of new life and recovery of joy.

More than a homily, this is a plea for prayers. This weekend I am priest for a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat. I believe the retreat will fit beautifully with this Sunday's readings which speak about new life in Christ, recovery of joy, forgiveness of sin and the command to sin no more. Here is a summary of the purpose of a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat:

"Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing."

I appreciate your prayers for those who are participating in this retreat - and for all women and men with hearts broken by abortion. Abortion, I am convinced, is the deepest wound in our society - and in our Church. How much all of us need to hear those beautiful words of Jesus: "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more."

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