Bishop Joseph Strickland delivered a powerful message on repentance and the mercy of God inside the U.S. Capitol, ahead of the annual March for Life. His audience included Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, pro-life advocates, and others gathered to reflect on the sanctity of life and the importance of faith in public life.
In his sermon, the former bishop of Tyler, Texas, emphasized the critical role of repentance and the sacrament of penance in unlocking God’s mercy. Addressing his audience, Strickland stated, “We hear a lot about mercy, but very little about how we personally unlock that mercy. And that is by our humble repentance,” according to a video recording of the event. His words stood as a reminder of the sacrificial nature of faith and the transformative power of seeking forgiveness.
Bishop Strickland also shared a personal reflection, underscoring the value of frequent confession. “I frequent confession weekly or every other week, not because I am ‘holy’ but because I am ‘not holy enough,’” he said. He connected his practice to the traditional Latin Mass, recalling the celebrant’s prayer before receiving the Eucharist: “Domine, non sum dignus,” which translates to, “Lord, I am not worthy.” This humility, he suggested, is a pathway to true spiritual renewal and alignment with God’s will.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s presence at the event highlighted his ongoing commitment to the pro-life cause. According to Bishop Strickland’s message, the integration of faith and public service is essential for societal transformation. Johnson’s personal testimony, shared during last year’s March for Life, resonated deeply with the crowd. “In January of 1972, exactly one year before Roe v. Wade, my parents—who were just teenagers at the time—chose life. And I am very profoundly grateful that they did,” Johnson revealed, according to reports from the 2023 march. His story serves as a powerful testament to the value of choosing life, even in challenging circumstances.
Bishop Strickland’s sermon also critiqued the modern world’s emphasis on “acceptance” without accountability. He reminded listeners that God’s mercy is not an automatic guarantee but a gift that requires active participation through repentance. His words were both a challenge and an encouragement to those striving to live out their faith authentically.
The event set a reflective tone for the March for Life, which annually commemorates the sanctity of life and advocates for the protection of the unborn. Bishop Strickland’s message underscored the importance of aligning pro-life advocacy with personal holiness and reliance on God’s grace. For Catholics and others in the audience, it was a call to deeper faith, humility, and action in the fight for life.
