Reflection
Life is precious. None of us can cause our lives to begin, nor can we choose that our lives be prolonged. It is our responsibility to live in a way that makes a difference – a way that is not bland and unimaginative but one that sees the fullness of life’s meaning and colors the lives of others with new hope. It is about this world, and about our life and witness in this world. It is about politics, about economics and about culture. It is about our environment, about the destruction of nuclear weapons. It is about peace. It is about our deeds in society. It’s about being chosen and following the vision articulated by Jesus in his own time – a struggle to bring about justice, to safeguard human rights and work for peace and reconciliation. It is within our very nature to nurture life, to protect it and to respect it. Life is a gift we all receive and a journey we travel for a span of years. Let us be respectful of each life and protective of each person.
Prayer
May we be grateful and reverent of the gift of life. May we protect it not only in the human but also in all living creatures and with respect for the earth without which no life can exist.
Action
Is your life circumscribed by old ideas that block you? Do you separate your living into a small circle of people and interests? How can you broaden your perspectives and make the connections between daily living and the gospel vision?
Suggested Reading
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Psalm 16:11
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Matthew 6:27
All life has inestimable value even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and espect.
Pope Francis
All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
St. Francis of Assisi
We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Every day, God grants us the precious gift of life. Yet every day, we squander it with our selfish, petty concerns, rather than helping someone as God helps us.
Kirn Hans
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.
Anais Nin
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
Maya Angelou
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Arthur Ashe