Assisted Suicide

Dearest Ones,

Suicide is a grim topic, but it's not unusual for people to have thoughts of suicide. Assisted suicide is growingly accepted. Physician assisted suicide is legalized in the states of Oregon and Washington. Why is it wrong to take your own life or to help another take theirs? Because we belong to God and He alone can give life or end it.

There are various reasons that cause one to feel like taking their life. These are a few: loss of a loved one, breaking a relationship, loss of a job, financial pressure, boredom, self hatred, etc. People are unable to cope with what disturbs their peace of mind.

Those who are terminally ill or severely disabled may think their life is no longer worth living but each person is precious and has value in the sight of God.

As long as life is pleasurable, life is of value, is the argument of the unbeliever. Suicide is always as morally wrong as murder. Only God has control over life and death. However, we must remember that it is not our job to judge others, that is God's job. "Judge not and you will not be judged." (Luke)

It is easy to feel that life is worthless, when we are suffering. I know of a young man, 20, who was in an accident and lost the power to walk or talk. He is dependent on others for everything. Yet, through all of this, his parents believe they are blessed and honored to care for him. They are rewarded every time he smiles, winks, or gives them a "thumbs up!" They feel God is using Michael to sanctify them.

When feeling despair, one of the best things we can do is to help others. In the 1990's, that is what Mildred Duff and Timothy, her son, did when Scott Duff, Timothy's brother, suffered from schizophrenia. They had no where to go for spiritual support, so they decided to start their own support group. It is called the Guild of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, which is dedicated to the spiritual support of the emotionally troubled and mentally ill, along with their families. It has helped thousands of families throughout the world.

Benedict Joseph Labre, a saint who loved God very much, lived in France in 1748. He wanted to enter religious life, but was repeatedly turned away because he was misunderstood. Some called him a misfit or odd. Others thought he was mentally ill and made fun of him. Children threw rocks at him. Dressed in a monk's habit, he became a pilgrim, wandering throughout Europe, visiting shrines and churches. His vocation was to pray. He longed to imitate Jesus, who was rejected and misunderstood, had no home to call His own and became a fool for our sake.

Benedict's only possessions were a Bible, Divine Office book, two Rosaries, and the Imitation of Christ, which he carried in a small bag on his shoulder. He had found God and he didn't need anything else. He either begged for food or went hungry. He slept on the church steps and spent many hours in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He visited hundreds of churches and shrines throughout Europe. His love for God was so great, that some people testified they had seen him in ecstacy while at prayer (he went into a trance and would be lifted into the air while praying.) Many people recognized that he was a saint. At his death, at age 35, they cried, "A saint has died! A saint has died!" Soon after his death, countless miracles occurred when people prayed to him. He has been proclaimed the saint of the mentally ill and the homeless. This humble little man, considered by this world as a "nothing" is now honored by millions.

Present in Rome at the time of his funeral was an American Protestant clergyman, Rev. John Thayer. The experience of Benedict's holy death converted Thayer, who became a Catholic priest. Why not pray to this powerful saint? You may know someone who is tortured with mental illness or one who lives with them. You can tell them about the Guild of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, found on the internet.

We are not all called to imitate Benedict because we are all different, but we are all called to be saints. Maybe there is a "Benedict" in your life - someone who is different and made fun of. That person is a child of God and longs to be treated with respect and love. A cheery hello or a pat on the back may be just what they need. "What you do to others, you do unto Me," Jesus says.

Suffering is part of our human existence. It is not a punishment for our sins, as we know Jesus suffered greatly, yet He was sinless. What we need to do in the trials of life is to look up in FAITH. We need to trust God in our suffering. Suffering is redemptive, which means it is useful in saving souls for all eternity. We won't know in this life, how our suffering has saved souls, but some day we will know. After all, I want a few surprises in heaven!

We are all pilgrims on the same journey through life. We are here to help each other. Find someone who needs a blessing from you today.

Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel weak and helpless, give us the sense of your presence, your love and strength. Help us to have perfect trust in your protection; for living close to you, we shall see your hand in all things.

Love and prayers,
Sister Francelle