MH - Responding to the Culture of Death

If you page down a little, you'll find a comment by Ethan, who from the tone of his message probably wouldn't want to be called a Hadleyblogger. My response to him is in the comments section, and will probably be there by the time you read this. (I forgot to mention to him that Ralph Nader and Jesse Jackson both supported Terri; I hope that doesn't burst his bubble too much.) I also hope he answers, and some of the rest of you join in, because I think there's a real opportunity for discussion here, and perhaps the chance for some of us to explain our beliefs more fully.

In the meantime, an excellent comment from Blogodoxy. A large excerpt:

I find it heartbrakingly instructive that the Holy Father is teaching the entire world the sanctity not only of life but of suffering centered in God. While Terri Schiavo's life was devalued by many, it was valued by her parents, family and friends, the Pope and the Vatican, and a great many people in Terri's own country. Whereas Terri's death advocates have not moved a finger to share Terri's struggle--and will stand to make parasitic if lucrative deals by telling the story of how they made her die--the Holy Father has, by his own very public struggles, placed himself side-by-side with Terri, and suffered with her.

But not even Terri's executioners could mask the reality of the life that was hers and the enormity of the evil that has been done against her. We know this, and it is illuminated for us by His Holiness, John Paul.

God in his providence has woven together the end-of-life struggles of Terri and the Holy Father. One had no choice in the matter, and was put to death too soon. The other has freely embraced suffering, and offers himself as a living sacrifice. The suffering of both is redeemed in the Passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It is instructive for us that God has done so. Let us treasure these things in our hearts.

I've copied most of the post, but I suggest you go here to read it all, and then read more from this thoughtful and well-written blog.