Ed and Lora are a young couple.

They have already 11

children. They decided not to bear another child. Hence, they
opted to use contraceptives. However, at one moment in their
intimacy, the condom raptured. Consequently, Lora found
herself on the family way for the 12th child. The couple
decided to abort the pregnancy. One day, they attended the
worship of the Holy Eucharist to pray fervently to the Lord for
Lora’s safety. Then the couple proceeded to an abortionist for
the procedure. Direction: Please comment on the
understanding of Ed and Lora about worship in the light of the
observation of the Second Plenary council of the Philippines
(PCP II). Read Reed 204 Course Pack and Module on Worship
& Liturgy.

Ed and Lora considered worship as a means to grant their

immediate request and considered to be nothing but for self-
satisfaction. Basically, Ed and Lora were considered to be
performing an “empty ritualism” where there words and acts
have been detached with true personal commitment of heart
and mind. In fact, they did not dedicate and commit
themselves into the true worship of the Holy Eucharist, hence,
internal understanding and heartfelt sincerity were not
present. In relation to the Second Plenary council of the
Philippines (PCP II), this young couple tend to separate their
prayer and worship from their life activities. I think that the
prayer for Lora’s safety is the safety during the abortion
process; and this prayer is unfit to be called sincere due to
the fact that the corresponding action is immoral. Likewise,
they attended the worship without sincerity because they
disregard the consequences of their decision to abort. If truth
be told, abortion is strictly prohibited because it involves
killing of an innocent human being and as parents, it should
not be one of the decisions to make. As a young couple, they
should have a pure understanding of what an authentic
worship is so that their family will grow in love and mercy of
Jesus Christ, and should learn to pray for safety, guidance and
protection of themselves and their children. As another child
is coming, abortion is not a solution but rather a complete
acceptance of the child as God’s blessing.