My brothers and sisters in Christ, the entire month of October is nationally recognized by US Catholics as Respect Life Month. I would like to dedicate all the Pastor’s bench of this month to promote the Culture of Life. First I would like to speak about Euthanasia or “mercy killing” which is an unethical attempt to unnaturally terminate the life of an individual or hasten the onset of death in order to prevent that person from experiencing suffering and hardship. Sometimes euthanasia is advocated as a way to terminate the suffering of a severely depressed person or a person who has grown weary of the hardships of life. Primarily, however, euthanasia is viewed as a means to an end to terminate the sufferings of terminally ill or chronically ill patients. Advocates of euthanasia fail to understand or appreciate the redemptive role of suffering in the individual. Christ desires for us to participate in his Passion, and thus suffering within the Body of Christ has a redemptive role. Because baptized Christians are part of the mystical Body of Christ, Jesus Christ asks his members to participate in the suffering of his Passion. St. Paul firmly evinces this doctrine, Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church.[1] This does not mean that Christ’s redemption is lacking or not enough for the redemption of the world. It only means that we are chosen to offer up our sufferings for the expiation of the temporal punishment deserved by our sin and the free participation in the life of Christ. Nor does it mean that Catholics go out of their way to look for suffering and hardship. Suffering, in itself, is a result of sin and evil manifested by the fall of mankind. Such acts as fasting, prayer and the offering of hardships to the Lord are beneficial. However, purposeful undue suffering and pain can in fact be a sin. In fact, the Church does attempt to correct and alleviate the temporal suffering of mankind (such as natural disaster victims, the hungry, etc.) A good Christian will accept the hardships of life that can not be alleviated. With good Christian humility and charity a suffering person will offer their suffering for the Body of Christ and its head, Jesus Christ. For these reasons, the Church has forbidden the use of euthanasia. 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. Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes the death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his creator[2]. These are the teachings of the Catholic Church which we ought to believe because she is the pillar and foundation of truth[3]. Help me, I beg you, to pray for life during this month ■ Fr. Agustin, Pastor.
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