Humanity of the Comatose Denied by Inhumanity of Euthanasia
By Mark Davis Pickup
The following was previously published in the Western Catholic Reporter, for the Edmonton Archdiocese.
By Mark Davis Pickup
The following was previously published in the Western Catholic Reporter, for the Edmonton Archdiocese.
As we reflect on the freedom and independence our Founding Fathers fought so hard for, we must vow to continue to fight for those rights for life, for liberty so that we can live life as Our Lord wants us to.
When tragedy occurs, the tendency of most people is to ask, “Why?” We want to know why it happened and how it can be prevented in the future. These are certainly laudable goals. But maybe some reflection is needed as well reflection upon the values and morals in society and the changes that have taken place over the last several decades. Reflection upon the family, upon how we are raising our children, about the influences and the bombardment of immorality. If we are to effect change, we must first look here.
In order to effect change, we must act upon the words of mercy spoken by Christ and the successors of Peter. We must love and care for all of God’s children, with no exceptions, and we must teach others to do the same. If we do this, and help others do this as well, our society will hopefully move away from the culture of death in which it has become entrenched and move toward a culture of life.
On Sunday, history will be made as Pope Francis will canonize two new saints Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. This significant day is also a day to reflect upon their lives and to remember the contribution they made, not only to the Church, but to the world as well.
The beautiful words of Blessed John Paul II are to be celebrated, pondered, and understood. This holy man truly loved all of God’s children born and preborn and taught that this is how we must live our lives. His inspiring words guide us and teach us. Let us not misunderstand them.
Catholic bishops and clergy have a responsibility to not only make their voices heard, but to teach those of the Catholic faith how to use their own voices. This means that the clergy must instruct and teach regularly about Catholic tenets and doctrine, yet we do not see this. As we see a continuing moral decline in our country, we realize now more than ever that we need to hear a roar rather than a whimper.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who created us in His image and likeness, came into the world as a tiny baby over 2,000 years ago to save us from sin. We rejoice at this gift, at this perfect act of love. This Christmas season, let us open ourselves fully to Him, let us allow into our hearts the love He shares with us each and every day, and let us shower that love on all those around us.
It’s normal to want to trust your doctor’s advice, to heed his every word when it comes to your own care, or the care of a loved one. You know he has taken the Hippocratic Oath and you believe he has your best interests at heart. But is that always the case? What happens when you have a serious or terminal illness? Will he still give you the care that everyone deserves? When it comes to POLST forms, education is key.
This time of year, we express our thankfulness more often. We tell others how we feel and maybe even perform works of charity. We remember those who cannot be with us or who have passed from this life. But let us never forget the smallest among us who never had the chance to live a life outside the womb. Let us not forget those who are sick or terminally ill. And let us always be thankful for the life we have been given and vow to make the lives of our fellow human beings better and more rewarding. For if we do not help others, who will?
By Rob Gasper
Does the Church need to adapt to modern times? Judging from the spate of headlines after Pope Francis’ “bombshell” interview, it rather seems that the modern world needs to adapt to the Church.
Our nation’s acceptance of abortion is not unlike other nations that have turned a blind eye to evil rather than do the uncomfortable thing and stand up for truth.