We Are Better Than That

On this eve of the annual March for Life I am sitting in my hotel room gazing upon my oldest child as he sleeps peacefully after a day of walking among the monuments and museums of Washington D.C. As I watch his precious face I am struck by the enormity of the statement that tens of thousands of pro-life citizens will make by their presence in our nation's capital tomorrow.

The message, in it's simplest form, is that we are better than that...we are capable of making decisions which protect the dignity of human life throughout the age spectrum. Abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, child abuse, and any other attack against life always exemplifies the lowest common denominator of human behavior not some lofty, idealistic principals (see some recent statements from prominent pro-abortion politicians for this disordered, nonsensical dribble).

As rational beings, we are able to seek and know truth, beauty, and goodness. Attacks against the most innocent among us are never based on such standards. Buzz words like freedom, privacy, and choice are used cleverly to mask the destruction such callous acts typically bring upon the victims. Show me the unborn baby, mother or father who believe they are free - truly free - (physically, emotionally, psychologically or spiritually) following the choice to have an abortion. We are better than that disordered decision and such victims, and yes, they are all victims, intuitively know this reality.

The Venerable (and soon to be Blessed) John Paul II reminded all of humanity throughout his papacy that, "We are all obligated to care for man." Caring for another person is not allowing them to settle for the worst of what humanity is capable of doing. Rather, caring for our fellow brothers and sisters is challenging them to know what is true, good and beautiful and to live life abundantly as children of God. As Christ exhorted, "The truth shall set you free."

As I wait to join the thousands who desire to care for their fellow humans in such a way, I will continue to gaze upon my child and remember what we, who are created in the image and likeness of God, are truly capable of in our lives.

Michael Lavigne