This morning at Mass I got to the point where I was supposed to name the person the Mass was offered for. As I thought for a moment, I went ahead and offered Mass for a friend of mine for whom I've offered Mass many times. Matt took his life several years ago, but his death still comes to mind often, especially when I'm celebrating Mass.
Later this morning, I came across a Coldplay song for the first time that I absolutely love, and I listened to it several times this morning while getting some work done, and started paying attention to the words. The title of the song is "Everything's Not Lost" and I really liked the following verse:
When you thought that it was over
You could feel it all around
Everybody's out to get you
Don't you let it drag you down
A few hours later, with the song still playing in my mind, I learned of another horrible, gut-wrenching suicide.
I talked to our kids after school about the importance of talking to someone when things seem like they are going bad and getting worse. Often those who take their own life think that they won't be missed, or that everyone's life will be better if they are gone - and this is never the case. Suicide always rips apart many people and sends shockwaves throughout communities and families. Let us pray for families who are carrying the unimaginable cross of trying to put their life back together after the suicide of a loved one. To all who may be down right now, please know that no matter how bad things get, at the end of the day "Everything's Not Lost"
Just a question on that topic, In the past, Many, many, years ago, the Church stance on suicide was, it was a straight trip to Hell, and the person could not be buried in a Catholic Cemetery, however they changed that to (I was told) Each grave was consecrated, and therefore they could be buried, but not in a consecrated grave.
ReplyDeletelater on, we were told that since no sane person would kill themselves, The Churches stance was they were mentally Ill, and were not responsible for the act, and Forgiveness was Possible.
We come across sadly enough, with those who are so hurting, and so sad, and so lost, they cannot see that they are doing a Permanent Act, to a Temporary Problem.
Trying to comfort the Family, or Friends? I Remind them That God "IS" Loving, and Forgiving, and that They are Being held tightly in his arms. They are Not lost.....
(However? in my own mind? I think back to the old teachings.. and hurt inside for them..)
What is the Stance NOW of the Church (Officially) on the Act Of Suicide?
From the Catechism:
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Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
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Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.
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If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.
Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
2283
We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.
Thank you for this, Father. I learned of the most recent one yesterday at our parish and we prayed long for the family and the soul of the one whose life has ended..we trust our beautiful Savior and Blessed Mother and let go. May the souls in these families meet one day and all of the suffering be over and no more tears wept. Amen
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