Daily Meditation - Saturday 2August 2008 - THE WHOLE OF LIFE IS NEITHER TEMPORARY NOR MEANINGLESS

[BarbaraTherese]

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Optional Memorials
Eusebius of Vercelli; Peter Julian Eymard

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also
First Saturday of the Month
HERE

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Mass Readings & Meditation

Readings

Meditation

Matthew 14:1-12

This story about John the Baptist
shows us that mankind
has always been tempted to cheapen the value of human life.

Herod had John beheaded simply because he wanted to please his dinner guests!

• Throughout Scripture, in fact, we notice this callous disregard for life.
• Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-16).
• King David ordered the death of Uriah to conceal his own adultery (2 Samuel 11:1-25).
• And even Jesus was executed because Pilate wanted to avoid trouble with his superiors.
  Even today, we see human life under attack from what Pope John Paul II called “the culture of death.”
• From embryonic experimentation to abortion,
• from euthanasia to so-called “mercy killings,”
• life has been tragically degraded.
• And it’s not only at the beginning or end of life that we find this attitude.

Genocide, torture, sexual abuse, slavery, and prostitution are just a few examples of the way life has become little more than a disposable object in many people’s eyes.

• This is why the church calls us to be witnesses to the gospel of life.
• Like Ahikam, who saved Jeremiah in today’s first reading, we too have a role to play in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
• It’s imperative that Christians everywhere challenge whatever philosophy, law, or social attitude that shows disregard for the holiness of all life.

Because we are made in God’s image—because we have been renewed in Christ—we know that life is not just temporary and meaningless.

Each one of us has eternal significance, because we all come from an eternal, merciful, and loving Father!

What can we do?

• It’s tempting to think the battle is just too big, and give up.
• But none of us is too small for the challenge.
• Each of us can do our part to “rescue those who are being dragged to death” (Proverbs 24:11).

For some, that means being on the front lines pushing for change.

• For those of us not on the front lines,
• it may mean getting more involved.
• No matter where we are, we can all pray for a change of heart in those who do not hold life as sacred.
• Who knows? We may be able to save thousands of lives!
  *"Father, hold close to your heart *
  *all who have been victimized by human selfishness. *
  *Change the hearts of those who exploit life, *
  and help me to bear witness to your love and mercy."