On the day following our national holiday when we give thanks to God for our family and friends and for all the blessings we enjoy in this great country, our friends in “merry old England” in the British House of Commons voted to allow euthanasia for those deemed unworthy of life. The current monarch, who also sits as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, is expected to sign the legislation even though it directly conflicts with God’s Commandment that “You shall not kill” Deuteronomy 5:17. What a travesty that some find life so inconvenient or too difficult to bear. Life is supposed to have its own schedule.
On the other end of the spectrum of life, we here in our office excitedly await the news of the birth of the first grandchild of one of our own team members. Although we already know the sex and the name of this highly anticipated child, we do not know when she will actually be born. She is already delayed more than a week after her anticipated due date. New life also is supposed to have its own schedule.
As people of faith, we believe that all life is a gift from our creator, our loving, heavenly Father, who has plans for each of our lives, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give [us] a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11. God gives us the great gift of being co-creators with Him, but He has also given us the parameters within which we are to exercise this awesome gift. God created man and woman in His image. “And God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’…” Genesis 1:28. Yet, God reserves dominion over life and death: “See now that I, I alone am he, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life…” Deuteronomy 32:39.
As we enter this season of Advent, when we prepare to celebrate the coming of the newborn King, let us reflect on the beauty but also the inconvenience of life. We have our plans, but we know that God has a plan, also. Sometimes that plan may seem unclear or look difficult or even frightening. Let us remember Mary and Joseph who placed their trust in God even though they likely did not plan to travel all the way to Bethlehem when Mary was in her final stages of her pregnancy, only to find themselves in a stable where the animals were kept because “there was no place for them in the inn” Luke 2:7. May we also place our trust in God and in his plan for our life no matter how challenging it may seem from the viewpoint of our limited humanity. Let us remember the comforting words Jesus directed St. Faustina to include on His image of Divine Mercy: “Jesus, I trust in you.”
What does the Bible say?
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it….” Genesis 1:27-28
See now that I, I alone, am he, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life… Deuteronomy 32:39 (NABRE)
You shall not kill. Deuteronomy 5:17
Author: Catherine Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry