The Hierarchy of Life Issues

In August of this year I had to attend a certification program hosted by the Diocese. I like to refer to these programs as "re-programming or brainwashing programs." During these programs, leaders in parish catechesis are "taught" the basics of the faith so that they may in turn pass them on to the faithful in the parish. God forbid. During these programs I have learned that Scripture is full of error and one day there could be women priests in addition to other grave errors. I don't have all of my notes in front of me or I would list them all.

During the class in August we were reminded that when voting we must remember that "life issues" include all sorts of topics and should not be limited to abortion only. It was drilled into our heads that we should not be "single issue voters". We spent an entire hour brainstorming ways to help do away with the death penalty but not a minute on the right to life. In fact, the literature that was handed out gave a scenario of an "unplanned pregnancy" and what the options were. One of the options, abortion. Did I mention that this was billed as a morality class?

So that you don't think I am simply in a bad mood as I post this morning I will move to my point. I do not understand those who claim to be pro-life but vote against life. Yes, those who voted for Mr. Obama, all the while claiming to be faithful Catholics, I do not understand you. Your line of thinking does not follow any logic that I am aware of. In my mind, and I try to be as open as possible without having my brains fall out (G.K. Chesterton), the two positions are irreconcilable. Either you are for life in all of its stages or you are against it.

Of course there are those who will say that "life issues" are also concerned with the poor, the homeless, the sick, etc.. as well as the unborn. They say that these issues are equal in importance. That too goes against common sense and I would invite those folks to meditate on today's Gospel. Jesus says, "The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones." Contrary to what has been preached by many in this country, clergy and laity alike, there is a hierarchy of importance in the issues of life.

How can you expect me to believe that a man, who has no respect for innocent human life, will help the poor? How can you expect me to believe that a man, who supports leaving a child born alive in a hospital closet to die, will pick up the homeless and take care of them? How can you expect me to believe that a man, who wants to remove any and all obstacles to access to abortion as well as needed information for the mother in a difficult situation, will reach out and care for the sick?

If he is not faithful in little things, how will he be faithful in larger things. If he will not respect life in its most innocent and vulnerable stages, we are fools to believe that he will respect life in any stage!

However, let us not believe that he alone holds the key to the future of the unborn. Yes, he has the power to undo 35 years of pro-life work and that is frightening. What is even more frightening is that many of our fellow Catholics voted for him. Here we being to see the result of over 35 years of poor catechesis, that in some places continues today. Our job, as it always has been, is to bring Christ to the world and change the hearts of this nation. Volunteer not only at the pregnancy center but as a catechist as well. Protest at the abortion mill and the diocesan offices if they are not following the Gospel of Life. Let us be wise, children of light, and learn a thing or two about grassroots and community organizing!

There is much work to be done but if we are faithful in the little things, God will help us that much more with the bigger things. Let us adopt the attitude of St. Paul from the first reading, "In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret... I can do all things through him who strengthens men."