Life is precious: three simple words that could not be more complicated in today’s world. Every human being who has ever lived was created in the image and likeness of God. We know this because Genesis tells us that “God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness.”
This simple truth is something we must not only keep in mind for ourselves but for those around us. And not just some around us. Not just the people we like. But all people. Because God didn’t say He was making only the wanted, the strong, the healthy, the born, or the rich in His image.
Yet because of original sin, humans make mistakes, both intentional and accidental. Humans reject God’s gift of life, and humans push God away. We see evidence of this all around us with the lack of compassion for the sick, the elderly, or those with disabilities; with the rise in disdain for those who work for the right to life; and with the rejection of science by those who call a preborn baby a “choice.”
But human life IS precious, and it can be gone in an instant. The recent Learjet crash into a Florida street is evidence of that. We also see examples in our own lives, as we witness reports of threats to and violence against people who stand up for the sanctity of life.
While I could endlessly list tragedies and the disgusting acts perpetrated by those who see no value in life, it would serve no purpose, for God wants us to focus on our gifts and on doing good for those around us. Yes, it’s important to keep our eyes open to the tragedies that could befall us and to live every day as if it could be our last, but we must also live in trust and hope in God, for He has conquered the evil of the world. We must help fight that evil, but we cannot let it destroy us.
That’s why it’s important to keep in mind words of wisdom from the saints. They didn’t allow the outside world to overwhelm them or to come between them and their faith. So I want to reflect on five quotes that should help give us perspective, especially as we encounter so many daily threats to the sanctity of life, even from elected leaders. Their words remind us that it’s crucial not to lose hope, not to be overwhelmed by anxiety, and to never give up on our own efforts to live according to the tenets of our faith and to teach it to our kids and those around us.
1. “Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin.” – St. Francis de Sales
What does anxiety give us? Nothing. Well, nothing positive. It gives us sleepless nights, endless things to worry about, and even physiological maladies. Studies have shown that “91 percent of worries were false alarms. And of the remaining 9 percent of worries that did come true, the outcome was better than expected about a third of the time.” We can’t make anxieties disappear by just wishing them away, but we can train ourselves to change our focus. Often this starts by putting down the phone, turning off the news, and doing something for others. We can call a lonely friend, visit a sick relative, volunteer, or even nurture our faith by reading a good book or listening to a Catholic podcast. If we truly believe that all life is precious, we will not waste our own on negativity.
2. “Entrust yourself entirely to God. He is a Father, and a most loving Father at that, who would rather let heaven and earth collapse than abandon anyone who trusted in him.” – St. Paul of the Cross
While things may seem bleak or we may be tempted to look around us and feel hopeless, we can always look to Christ’s outstretched arms on the crucifix and see the depths of His love. Even if and when we abandon Him, He will never abandon us, as we are precious to Him. When we understand that He loves us that much, we are better able to reflect that love to our fellow men.
3. “Spread love everywhere you go: First of all in your own house. . . . Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta
If we truly believe that all human life is precious, we will let that be our guide for how we treat those around us. From our spouses to our children and then outward, we must treat everyone we encounter with the same love, compassion, and mercy that Christ gives us.
4. “You will never be happy if your happiness depends on getting solely what you want. Change the focus. Get a new center. Will what God wills, and your joy no man shall take from you.” – Blessed Fulton J. Sheen
Sometimes our wants and desires align with God’s, sometimes these wills are oppositional, and sometimes we know what God wants, but we do our own will anyway. Fr. Mike Schmitz says that sin in like telling God: “God I know what you want. I don’t care. I want what I want.” But something incredible happens when we align our will with God’s. We open our hearts not just to Him but to the people around us. We become more like God—more merciful, more loving, more caring—and this is reflected in how we treat others.
5. “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.” – St. Gianna Molla
If we truly want to be happy, we will learn to appreciate all the gifts we have. True happiness doesn’t come from worldly things but from the assurance that God is a good Father who wants us with Him in heaven for eternity. He has given us so many blessings, and it’s our responsibility to not only be thankful for but to share those blessings with the people around us, in any way possible. We can acknowledge people with a smile, with a helping hand, with a kind word or gesture, or with anything that makes them feel seen as a person. We can give our time to someone who needs it. We can help someone financially. We can pray. Happiness never comes from selfish acts; it comes from selflessly giving to others.
The reality of life is that it doesn’t last forever; we will all die someday. Sometimes death comes slowly, and sometimes it comes quickly. Our faith tells us to prepare for either one. If we want to attain heaven, part of that preparation means we must live by the truth that all life is precious.
This article first appeared in LifeSiteNews at lifesitenews.com/opinion/saints-can-help-us-resist-despair-in-a-culture-of-death/?utm_source=most_recent.
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