Now more than ever, in this time marked by war and the pandemic, we need to breathe life, affirm life and celebrate life. In all its moments, in all its seasons.
The beauty of life is reaffirmed by the 45th National Day for Life, celebrated on Sunday, February 5.
The theme chosen by the Permanent Episcopal Council of the Italian Episcopal Conference for this day is: “Death is never a solution. ‘God created all things that they might exist; the creatures of the world are life-giving, and there is no deadly poison in them’ (Wis 1:14).”
The message proposed for this Day addresses difficult and highly sensitive issues, such as abortion and end-of-life care, and invites us to adopt a hopeful outlook capable of overcoming evil and loneliness and spreading the “culture of life”.
Certainly, all this means going against the tide, because we live in a world that seems to want to impose quick solutions to every problem on us. Abortion, for example, is presented as the easiest way out when there are financial problems, when a pregnancy is unwanted, or when we think it might limit our freedom; abortion may be suggested when it is learned that a child will be born with a disability. It seems like the easiest solution, but, the message asks: “Are we sure that trivializing voluntary termination of pregnancy removes the deep wound it causes in the hearts of many women who have resorted to it?”
If we look at it through the eyes of hope, through the eyes of those who trust in Christ, who has conquered every death, then euthanasia and assisted suicide too are really declarations of surrender: “Are we sure that assisted suicide or euthanasia fully respect the freedom of those who choose them - often exhausted by a lack of care and relationships - and show genuine, responsible affection on the part of those who accompany them to their death?”, we read in the bishops’ message.
We often remain indifferent even to the cry for help of so many people knocking on the doors of our country because they are fleeing wars and situations of extreme hardship and poverty. We think, in fact, that coming to their aid could bring economic, social and cultural problems.
In the face of these situations, Christians are called to celebrate life and defend it even when - from a human point of view - it may seem to be a life that is no longer useful, when it may seem like a burden. From conception to natural death, life must be defended, and Christians must feel this commitment, which calls them to act on the front lines for the Gospel of Life.
Today, then, let us live this day with a renewed awareness of the value of every human life; let us celebrate life in every circumstance and proclaim our firm yes to life!
