When faithful people talk about ‘valuing life,’ what do they mean?

Caring for those in need, not single issue gives value

Pat Lechtenberg, pastoral associate, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church:

Among faithful people, “valuing life” might mean different things.

Some people who value the life of the unborn might not necessarily support programs for children living in poverty.

Some people who respect the life of the dying might nevertheless be in favor of capital punishment.

My own Catholic tradition has a much broader view of respect for life than any one single issue.

For me, valuing life means defense of the unborn, but also safe medical conditions for all pregnant women and financial support for children born into need.

It means death with dignified palliative care for the aged and terminally ill, and the preservation of life of even the most horrible criminal.

It means providing access to facilities to those with limited physical, mental and emotional abilities, and providing for the basic human needs for all people of the world.

It means caring for the environment and our natural resources for future generations.

It means accepting those who have different opinions and beliefs and values, even if and when I don’t agree with them or condone their behaviors or actions.

It means informing myself to vote for leaders who will safeguard the rights of very single person in our country without discrimination.

It means I value my own life and the time I have with family and friends.

Most of all, it means that I appreciate and live in the present, enjoying every moment, learning from my mistakes, praising God for all my blessings, making sure that I don’t miss any opportunity to continue the mission of Jesus to anyone I encounter.

Send e-mail to Pat Lechtenberg at plechtenberg@saint-johns.net.

Jesus’ death gives real, full life to those who believe

The Rev. Paul Gray, senior pastor, Heartland Community Church, 619 Vt., and chief spiritual officer of the Leo Center, Suite 100, 1 Riverfront Plaza:

Around 100 A.D., St. Ignatius said, “The glory of God is a man (or woman) fully alive.”

Jesus Christ told us the reason he, God, came to earth (John 10:10): “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”

Jesus also said (John 14:6), “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”

The very first pages of Genesis in the Bible tell us that God created life — God is all about life. As a Christ follower, I realize the reason I have life is because God gives it to me. The reason I can really enjoy life in all its fullness — life free from fear, worry, doubt and anxiety (now and for eternity) — is because Jesus valued my life so much that he gave his life in return. (John 3:6, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”)

True Christ followers believe that God has a divine plan for every person, from those just conceived in their mother’s womb to the elderly. For us to interfere with his plan would be to place ourselves in his rightful place — and to disobey his commandment to not kill.

While abundant physical life for us is extremely important to God, we also know that our spiritual life, beginning with a personal relationship with Christ, is what’s ultimately important to both him and us.

In Scripture, we read, “To all who believed Jesus and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan — this rebirth comes from God.” (John 1:12)

That’s where real life begins — and lasts forever.

Send e-mail to the Rev. Paul Gray at hartland@sunflower.com.