Culture of Death - Promise of Light

Back in 1993, after the World Youth Day, in Denver, Co, John Paul II denounced what he recognized as a 'culture of death,' primarily in the western world.  Abortion, euthanasia, violence, and the deterioration of the family, desecrated the dignity and integrity of humanity.  The shooting in Newtown, CT last week emphasized how far we have gone in violent reactions, and the inability to protect innocent life, as well as quell violence.

There were some statistics some years ago that reported a child will have witnessed a large amount of violent acts against others be the time he or she was 18 years old.  I had read in a very conservative magazine some years ago, that a noticeable trend in T.V. sitcoms, was to portray the parents as inept, and ineffectual, and the kids having a grasp on the real needs, concerns - and solutions - to the problems that were presented.  And what is the number of homicides in Chicago so far this week?  So while many were quite upset with John Paul II description of our culture as a culture of death, the proof is in the commonality of violence and disrespect for human life.

To be sure there is a necessity of evangelization and the development of a moral foundation.  The answer is not as simple as bringing prayer into the public forum.  In our post modern culture we have all but abandoned the notion of a natural law.  The very early Greeks, and even in primitive cultures, certain action, behaviours, and activity, was deemed as inappropriate, and namely wrong.  A natural law challenges us to look at the integrity and value of the human person.

In this season of Advent and Christmas, we celebrate the promise of God through the mystery of the Incarnation.  God blesses once again all of creation as he enters our lives in a moment of time.  This entire action is part of the greater plan of salvation.  The words of the Prophets are most important during this time as they invite humanity to disconnect with Sin and Evil, and begin habits which are good and life-giving.  The fulfillment of our life is found in discovering and following the 'Good News.'

A culture of life respects human life from conception until natural death, despises violence and oppression, and seeks respect and dignity for all people.  Certainly it is naive to believe that there are easy answers for the violence and hate we see around us.  But this celebration of peace and good will is both a comfort and a challenge to us, to transform our ways and live with the Word of God.  "A people who has walked in darkness has seen a great light."