Dear Friends,
What is most important in life? What really matters? Your family and friends? Your job? Your home and possessions? How successful you are? Your plans for life? How others view you? Your favorite sports teams? I propose that the absolutely most important things in our lives are our relationships: first and foremost with God, with spouse, with children, with family, with friends. We also have relationships to which we probably never give any thought: acquaintances, neighbors, strangers, and those we encounter every day. Because we are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27), we are made with an innate need for relationships; we are made, as Pope Benedict XVI stated, to love and to be loved. This is all because God is love (1 John 4:8) and because God is a a communion of relationships: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing. All too often we are told that what really matters is career, success, our plans; we're told these things define who we are; we're told these are the things that will lead us to fulfillment and happiness. Firstly, we should never forget to ask God what His plan is for every matter in our lives. Also, while there is nothing inherently wrong with success and career, we shouldn't sacrifice the greater things for these. Our fulfillment can be found in our identities: beloved sons and daughters of God, sons and daughters of our parents, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends. In other words, we find ultimate fulfillment in our relationships.
All of this is a long way to say choose life. Life is precious. We are made in the image and likeness of God. Every person is infinitely valuable and worthy of selfless love. Defend the dignity of every human person, regardless of what stage of life they're in, regardless of what their abilities and skills. Work to end all attack on human dignity. Notice and invest in the people in your life. They are most important. Have a great week!
In Christ,
Fr. Matt