October 25, 2023 “I don’t know why we’re wasting time and resources on them. They won’t even help themselves.” “Everyone who believes this is a waste of skin.” “They’re all trash.” I read versions of all three of those lines this morning on social media. The first was in a comment section below a report of local emergency responders being dispatched to where an individual was reportedly suffering a drug overdose. The second was about a political news story. The third was about fans of a particular sports team. October is Respect Life Month. It’s an opportunity to pray and work for the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. When we think about Respect Life Month, most of us think first of abortion or maybe the death penalty. Those are both horrific destructions of life, and they should be at the front of our minds and actions. Respecting life certainly includes fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. But respecting life is bigger than just that. Respecting life means honoring the dignity of all people and remembering that all people are made in the image and likeness of God. It means honoring the dignity of the drug addict, the liberal/conservative who supports that which you abhor, and even the Cleveland Browns fan. It means loving your neighbor and your enemy. Respecting all life is a tall order. It’s hard. Jesus never said following him would be easy. But how nice would it be to log onto social media or turn on the news and see people honoring the dignity of others instead of actively dehumanizing them? That would be worth quoting. |
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