A Life is a Gift of God
(page 2)
Abortion
"Abortion has been considered as homicide since the first centuries of the
Church and nothing today permits considering it otherwise. For the child,
geneticists tell us, is from its conception endowed with the proper
characteristics of a life that, though dependent on a privileged environment for
development, is autonomous."
(Pope Paul VI's letter to the 12th Congress of the
International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations)
"We call upon the faithful to realize that active participation in the
performance of abortions is gravely and morally culpable; this includes
advising, directing and arranging an abortion. We remind those who are called
upon to participate in abortions of their responsibility to make known to
administrators or employers their conscientious objection. Participating in the
use of an aborted fetus for any purpose contrary to the dignity of life is
likewise immoral. If a live birth occurs as a result of an abortion, every
ordinary means should be utilized to maintain life."
from:
Statements of The Catholic Bishops of Florida by the Florida Catholic Conference
Death Penalty
We believe that there are adequate statistics and sufficient professional
opinion to demonstrate that the death penalty is not in fact a deterrent to
murder or violence. We believe that killing someone is not an appropriate way of
teaching not to kill. A review of persons already on death row point to the fact
that nearly all of these people are poor and often from minority groups. As
Bishops of Florida we regret that there are more people on Florida's death row
than on that of any other state or of any foreign country.
We have profound sympathy for the victims of crime and believe that the
State has the right to punish criminals and, if possible, seek compensation from
the criminal. We believe that punishment and compensation can be achieved by
incarceration with more strict laws concerning parole.
The gospel which we proclaim is a gospel of mercy, love and forgiveness.
We believe that the death penalty is not compatible with the gospel and that the
common good and public security can be achieved in other ways. We believe that
the gospel calls upon us to proclaim the sacredness of human life under all
circumstances.
from:
Statements of The Catholic Bishops of Florida by the Florida Catholic Conference
We who revere human life as created in the image and likeness
of God have all the more reason to take a stand. For us abortion is of
overriding concern because it negates two of our most fundamental moral
imperatives: respect for innocent life, and preferential concern for the weak
and defenseless. As we said three years ago in reaffirming our Pastoral Plan for
Pro-Life Activities: "Because victims of abortion are the most vulnerable and
defenseless members of the human family, it is imperative that we, as Christians
called to serve the least among us, give urgent attention and priority to this
issue. Our concern is intensified by the realization that a policy and practice
allowing over one and a half million abortions annually cannot but diminish
respect for life in other areas." No Catholic can responsibly take a
"pro-choice" stand when the "choice" in question involves the taking of innocent
human life.
from:
Resolution on Abortion, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 7,
1989
Over 42 million babies have been
aborted since 1973.
Euthanasia (Mercy Killing)
According to the 1980 declaration from the Vatican, Jura et Bona,
"euthanasia", or "mercy killing" is defined as "an action or an omission which
of itself or by intention causes death, in order that all suffering may in this
way be eliminated."
Our country is on a collision course with euthanasia. Think about the issue
now, and work to change the course, or else you may end up a victim of it.
"Mercy killing". I do not see what killing has to do with mercy. What I do
see is that those who advocate it have a MISPLACED compassion. They want to
eliminate all suffering. Very nice, but very unrealistic...and also very pagan.
I ask you readers who are Christian, is all suffering meaningless? Does it
have no value at all, no purpose? I do not wish suffering on anyone. But when it
comes, is our only response to be to eliminate it, even to the point of
euthanasia? You tell me whether this is the Christian gospel!
Was the suffering of Christ meaningless? Or do we not say, "We adore You, O
Christ, and we bless You, for BY YOUR HOLY CROSS You have redeemed the world."?
Did He not tell His followers to embrace the cross? Do we not join our pain to
His to save souls?
Even from a secular viewpoint, does not suffering provide an occasion to grow
in wisdom, character, and compassion?
The push for mercy killing is utterly pagan. Christian and all reasonable
people must oppose it.
Father Frank
Pavone (Priests for Life)
A Time for
Prayer
Protection from Terrorism
Almighty God, I pray that You prevent the
destructive forces of terrorism directed against our nation. Provide protection
from evil attacks and stop the aggressors that attempt to bring destruction to
our nation and people. May Your hand of protection keep us safe.
I stand against the spirit of fear that
accompanies the cowardice acts of terrorism. Allow our fear to turn to trust in
You. May knowledge of terrorist-planned attacks be revealed to those who provide
our national and international security. Help those in power to act swiftly to
avert all danger, protecting American lives and property.
Provide strength, courage, and wisdom to the
protectors of this nation to administer their duties. Give wisdom and insight to
our government and everyone involved in the elimination of terrorism. Provide
instruction in the development of effective and efficient anti-terrorist
strategies that will give us an advantage against our aggressors, allowing the
country to remain safe and secure.
I pray that the instigators of terroism recognize
the evil of their ways and repent and denounce their cowardice acts of
destruction against humanity. Without repentance, may they reap the consequences
of their actions, and may the fear of our retaliation be greater than their
hatred of democracy.
Guide us in efforts to seek out and eradicate
these merchants of death. Reveal the names of those responsible and those who
are in allegiance with terrorist organizations to our authorities. Enable the
military to become swift, powerful, and accurate in any action of retaliation.
Lord, help us to understand lifestyle changes
that might be necessary to ensure our protection. Grant patience and tolerance
to us in adapting to the safety precautions and measures that we might
experience. Enable us to realize that the cost of inconvenience is a small price
to pay for the safety of our families and of our nation.
Scripture References
Deuteronomy 29:29,
Psalms 91:1-6,
Daniel 11:25,
Deuteronomy 31:6,
Psalm 27:14
Life is a Gift of God. Let's leave these
life and death decisions to Him!
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