Before it became a popular TV show about zombies, the phrase ‘walking dead’ referred to people who are living yet not alive: people breathing with heart beating, yet unaware of the layers, nuances, and abundant gifts of human life. Regardless of politics, we have an obligation to be concerned with the quality of life of those around us, to help others find hope and joy in the fact and details of their life.
Many think of Catholic social teaching, “Right to life,” as centering exclusively on the issues of the death penalty and abortion. Some translate the exhortation into political action, while others feel the social factors and issues are too complex for sweeping, one-size-fits-all laws. However, we have a responsibility to the living, for their ‘right to life,’ which transcends secular laws.
While human life seems singular and internal, it can only exist in communion with others.Jesus’ communion with Elijah and Moses encourages us to take solace and consolation in our own relationships with those who have passed over. These relationships are not fixed or static, but continue to develop and deepen.
When we partake in the sacrament of the Eucharist (Communion), we are affirming our membership in the body or Christ, the Church, the Communion of Saints, living and dead. To accept our responsibility to fight for rich, full lives for those living, we need to rely on those who have preceeded us. These saints, universal and personal lawgivers and prophets, give us the strength, wisdom and courage to protect and love those in need.
© 2016 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 