Our hearts ache:
As we run toward the love of God

		Notes from the  Vicar General  Msgr. Paul J. Swain

The tragic accident of the Columbia shuttle that took the lives of seven courageous and accomplished astronauts has touched us deeply.

Once again the sudden loss of life of people we did not know pulls at our heartstrings. There is within us an ache that spontaneously comes forth when innocent lives are lost. We experienced it on September 11. We do so when tragedy strikes from causes such as tornado or fire.

Most parishes are once again experiencing the sadness of seeing members of families being called to military duty and being shipped away for uncertain tenure and future. Let us pray for those brave men and women in our military forces who will do their sworn duty, while at the same time experiencing the ache that is in us all.

Love as he has loved us

It is an ache based on charity, on love. It is the theological virtue that St. Paul reminds us is the greatest. Love is patient, love is kind . . . it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

It is that concern for truth, out of charity, that causes us to hesitate about the use of force to achieve even worthy political goals. Innocent lives will be lost.

It is that concern for truth, out of charity, that causes us to hesitate to use sterile economic theory, immediate personal gain, or happy circumstances to take advantage of others. Innocent people will be denied just opportunities.

It is that concern for truth, out of charity, that causes us to defend the unborn and the vulnerable over the camouflage of convenience or cost benefit considerations. Innocent people will be denied not only respect, but the very lives God has gifted to them.

Jesus gave us the commandment to love one another as he loved us. He loved us to the end, sacrificially on the cross, even though we did not and do not deserve it. Some view that commandment as unrealistic and out of date. Others see it as trite, or believe that actually following it makes us soft. Yet it is what he calls us to, though it is hard to live.

Though it is hard

Sadly, we know that there can be times when the fire of this love seems to have gone out. Those of us who are imperfect recognize how challenging it is in daily living to deal with anger and impatience, and to absorb the hurts and struggles that come our way.

It is easy to love from afar. It is harder when we share the same television remote control. It is easy to declare what should be public policy in the abstract. It is harder when it means higher taxes. It is easy to think well of others when we feel well. It is harder when pain distracts us.

Mother Teresa once said that the test of how well we love, is how we love the ones we love the least. It is how we respond to those we have a hard time liking, who annoy us, or who are different from us that tests our resolve to live the commandment of Christ.

Yet when tragedy strikes, like the shuttle loss, there wells up within us that ache of caring. The fire is never out, because it is what we seek. St. Augustine wrote: Love is itself the fulfillment of all our works. There is the goal; that is why we run, we run toward it, and once we reach it, in it we shall find rest.

What we run toward is the love of God reflected in Christ. In Him, despite the sadness of the day, can we find rest.

New chapter: Let's write it boldly

		Right to Life  Susanna Herro

Standing shoulder to shoulder with my daughter and her fellow right to life volunteers from Georgetown University at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., I felt rejuvenated, revitalized, and hopeful.

On tiptoe, I saw banners from colleges, universities, churches, and high schools, and signs seeking justice for the unborn, but I could not see the edge of the crowd.

Heart-warming

It was a heart-warming feeling to be surrounded by people who care enough for the unborn that they would endure hours in the cold to express their compassion.

We marched from the Washington Monument along Constitution Ave. to the Supreme Court. What a delightful juxtaposition: the Washington Monument represents the father of our country, the Constitution is the basis of our rights, and the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of justice.

Speakers roused hope that so many young people were aware and educated on abortion, gave praise that many children have been saved by pro-life efforts, and called all of us to continue to defend life.

Share gifts with unborn

Then the march began, with the tolling of a bell. The somber sound, ringing out every 26 seconds, reminded us of another life taken by abortion. As we walked, some were singing "Is it I, Lord? Do you need me?" The answer is "YES!"

Each person who believes abortion is unjust is needed. You are needed to inform yourself, teach others, write, call, and reach out. Whatever skill you have is a gift, a gift to be shared with the unborn. Without you, they might never have a chance to use their gifts.

We walked by others praying the rosary. One of the most poignant messages was from a group of disabled people who do not march, but pray for those who do.

As a pro-life volunteer, I am heartened every time I am able to answer a call for help or information or speak to a group.

Symbols of liberty

Washington, D.C., is filled with symbols of our liberty. Enshrined in the Lincoln Memorial are the great words portending the ending of slavery: "There is no reason in the world why the Negro is not entitled to all the natural rights numerated in the Declaration of Independence - the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

As the Wisconsin delegate to the National Right to Life Committee, I was privileged to learn from people who are shaping history now.

Attorney James Bopp, Jr., an expert on First Amendment issues, is defending the right of pro-life people to express their views, peacefully, in courts from Hawaii to the Supreme Court.

Hopeful signs

Dr. David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, recommends visiting the Web site at www.nrlc.org for pro-life information.

Some recent polling information shows that there is a pro-life majority in the U.S. He also reported that now only one in four children are aborted rather than one out of three.

Medical ethics threats

Attorney Burke Balch gave a summary of medical ethics threats including the possibility of rationing medical care and a continuing push for assisted suicide and involuntary euthanasia. The state of Oregon has legalized assisted suicide.

We, as pro-life people, must see that appropriate pain management is available to all people and that doctors are trained in reducing pain. Killing the pain, not the patient, is the most effective way of reducing the call for assisted suicide.

New chapter unfolding

Bans on partial birth abortion and human cloning are needed. Your phone calls, letters, and e-mails to your representatives in support of pro-life legislation is important as is your support of initiatives to educate people on the humanity of the unborn child.

Each of us, as in Lincoln's time, has the opportunity to re-affirm the dignity of all human beings. History is unfolding a new chapter. Let us write it boldly, with love for all, respect for all, dignity for all.

Susanna D. Herro, Madison, is the national delegate from Wisconsin to the National Right to Life Committee.