How pro-life is that, then? Only for unborn babies? For hungry children? Or for every life that God has created?

Quote:

"The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform. I renew the appeal I made most recently at Christmas for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary. "

--Pope John Paul II, January 27, 1999, St. Louis, Missouri

Here in Massachusetts, they recently defeated a referendum to bring back the death penalty (thank God). In amongst the protestor and advocates was a small band of victims families, pleading for people to listen to them. With tears streaming down their faces, they told of the violent, horrific deaths of their loved ones. And just as emotionally, they urged voters to vote against the death penalty, to avoid becoming killers ourselves, as a society. They over and over said that to kill the killer would not bring back their loved ones, their sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and parents. They pleaded with us, and their voice was heard.

Historically, statistically speaking, we have seen the abysmal failure of the death penalty in states that do use it. As a deterrent, it has failed, there has been no change in the rate of violent crime, except upwards. As society sanctioned vengeance it has also failed, thank God, since the average person condemned to death lives many "extra" years as he files appeals and fights for his dignity and his life.

The Bible says "An eye for an eye..." and is also used as justification for the death penalty. But it also says, "Justice is mine, sayeth the Lord" - so how does that work? Are we the instruments of a vengeful God? Or are we the shining example of a Sacrificial Christ, willing to die for sinners, to save them?

Throughout the United States, more than 3,500 prisoners await their deaths. Dead men walking, as they say in the movies... how horrible!

We have to stop this horror! We cry out at the "culture of violence" and blame video games and television - but what does a society that kills have to say about it's values? We have to stop this violence at the most basic levels. Through education, through advocacy, and through prayer and contemplation on the life of Jesus, we must commit ourselves to a persistent and principled witness against the death penalty, against a culture of death, and for the Gospel of Life.

Let us all bow our heads and pray together that the Spirit can lead us all to a fuller understanding of His love, and His mercy. May He lead us to:

"... let your light shine to all people. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Lisa Alekna

Thursday 05/06/1999