I have a friend who has condemned herself for over 30 years for her abortion. Jesus’ resurrection means two things for her. Let me reflect on two resurrection Scriptures.

First, Jesus came to forgive her sins. St. Paul writes that Jesus was raised because we have been justified in Christ: “He was delivered up because of our sins, and he was raised because of our justification” (Romans 4:25). An inviolable truth pervades the Scriptures and our world—sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). Yet the resurrection of Jesus means that sin has been dealt with. It is a simple matter of cause and effect. If the effect is removed, so also the cause. My son’s toe stops hurting because I removed the splinter. Jesus is raised from the dead because he really did bear the sin of the world. Which means that, in Christ, we really are forgiven. Even, and especially, for those things for which we cannot forgive ourselves.

Second, Jesus’ resurrection means my friend’s baby isn’t lost. Jesus’ resurrection is such good news because it isn’t only about him. It is about us. St. Paul writes “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Much like the daffodils in March pledge that spring is coming, the first fruits anticipate the coming harvest. As Jesus was raised from the dead, so will his people be. And while the Scriptures don’t directly address what happens to infants who die before their time, they speak plentifully about the character of God who has compassion upon the fatherless and the widow, who delights in showing mercy, and who makes all things new as he overcomes death by raising Jesus from the grave.