Sr. Christina M. Neumann
As we approach the National Sanctity of Human Life Day (January 18), I am reminded of the sacredness of the lives we encounter every day at St. Anne’s. Although this national observance, first initiated by President Reagan, refers primarily to protecting the dignity of the unborn, I would like to extend it to us here.
Hearing of the sanctity of human life is a real reminder to me as a worker at St. Anne’s; it reminds me that each person I encounter is precious, is deserving of my time and utmost respect. When I see someone coming to the front desk where I work, I need to take a look at how I approach them. I need to see their life as sacred and put them above my personal agenda at the moment.
This January, as we observe “Celebration of Life Month,” there are different points on which we can examine our efforts. What are we, as individuals, doing to promote respect for human dignity? Along with promoting respect for the unborn by prayer, occasionally contacting legislators, and attending the city-wide Mass for Life on January 22, what am I doing in my daily life? Am I treating each person I meet with love and respect?
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta has some beautiful, inspiring words that I would like to share, which I think tie into this very well: “I believe in person to person. Every person is Christ for me, and since there is only one Jesus, that person is the one person in the world at that moment.”
Today, after working on this post, I have been more conscious of giving my utmost to each person, resident, visitor, or co-worker. What a difference it can make if we really take to heart Mother Teresa’s words! If we do that, we will sanctify each day in keeping with the “sanctity of human life.”
This is a very good point and one that we can all take notice of.
It is so easy to become critical of others and their idiosyncrasies or irritating little habits. It is so easy to judge someone by the way they look, walk, talk or dress before we give ourselves the chance to know them. Too many times we may set our priorities over those of others, not really listening to what they say or need. Often we can be curt and insensitive, hurting their feelings with a single word.
Here is one way we can all consecrate human life, something very simple to remember: DO TO OTHERS WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO TO YOU. Matt 7:12 In this way, we can reciprocate the love that Jesus has for us.
Read about other religions/ethics that have the same rule: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule
What a beautiful reminder to bring to the front of our minds and spend some time pondering. To practice seeing Christ in each individual we meet throughout each day, moment by moment. Thank you.