Respect Life Month by Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, DNP, Director and Inaugural Jack and Mary Ann Remick Chair of Nursing
During Respect Life month, I would encourage deeper reflection on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) which is a statement of the Church’s faith and of Catholic doctrine, attested to or illumined by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition, and the Church’s
Magisterium. Take a closer look at CCC 2258-2330 on the Fifth Commandment “Thou shall not kill.” In this section, you can find the Church’s teaching on self-defense, murder, abortion, prenatal diagnosis, human embryos, euthanasia, medical ethics, terminal illness, palliative care, suicide, scandal, holistic health, temperance, drug use, human research, organ transplants, kidnapping, terrorism, torture, care of the dead, autopsies, cremation, peace, anger, war, weapons, etc. There is a lot there!
Here are the key highlights:
1) Life is a sacred gift from God.
“Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being.”(CCC 2258)
2) Life begins at conception and ends at death.
“Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God. (CCC 2319)”
3) Current Topic: Euthanasia, Physician Assisted Suicide, Medical Aid in Dying
“Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.” (CCC 2276) “Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.” (CCC 2277)
As we reflect on these principles from the Catechism, let us consider how we interact with the people in our lives. How do we show respect for life in our daily actions? “Have great respect for each person you are with.” St John Baptist De La Salle (Part 1, Chapter 2 of The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility)
