In what ways do you show your value for life — yours and the people around you, especially the innocent ones? - Daily Reflections August 13,2013

RESPECT LIFE

 

No doubt Jesus cares about children. They are vulnerable, innocent, dependent, weak and young. But God’s love is not for children alone. He loves each and every one of us. He loves us all, no exception! Jesus makes this clear to all His listeners then and to all of us now. Nobody is expendable. Before God’s eyes, we are His creation and we are all important to Him.  All of our faces, put together, reflect the image of God. Thus, He does not want anyone to be lost. For Jesus, we are not mere statistics. We are people, human beings, and the most important of all creations.

       That is why our faith abhors abortion, the death penalty and any action that will inflict undue harm on any person. Suicide is lamentable. Euthanasia is despicable. War is cruel and evil. The only exception is martyrdom. When faith is at stake, even one’s life may be offered. Other than that, we must take very good care of life. Respect for life is absolute. Because each of us is God’s creation, only God decides when and how this life is taken.

       The parable of the lost sheep in today’s Gospel and other similar parables send this message of love of God for all. Indeed, the willingness to leave the 99 in order to find the lost one speaks volumes on how each of us is important.

       Recently, a student took his life because of a break up. Without making a judgment on their love for each other, it is painful to know that life has been limited to a single relationship. Another case involves a woman who committed abortion not once but thrice! Until now, she suffers from what she did 10 years ago. Others lose their lives because of money, power or fame.

       Omitted in the Gospel today is a warning: “Woe to the world because of so many scandals! These scandals necessarily come but woe to the one who causes them to fall!” As Christians, we take the lead in giving respect to each and every life. Our God tells us so. Our God does it so! Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: In what ways do you show your value for life — yours and the people around you, especially the innocent ones?

 

Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to love and respect each and every person around me because they are Your creation. Help me to love and respect myself, too.