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March 22, 2005
Who should get involved?
Terri Schiavo had not had a very active or productive life over the past few years. Her husband says she said years ago she never wanted to be kept alive by machines, so he made the decision to "pull the plug" and had the feeding tube removed.
The Vatican newspaper was appaulled by this action, and wrote: "Who can judge the dignity and sacredness of life of a human being, made in the image of God? Who can decide to pull the plug as if we were talking about a broken or out of order household appliance?"
The U.S. House and Senate agreed on something, which is a miracle in itself, and voted to grant her parents the opportunity to appeal this decision to a higher court. President Bush indicated this is a tough decision, so if we are going to error, we should do it on the side of life. with this in mind, he signed the bill, putting it back in the hands of a judge in Florida.
But when the American public was presented with an opportunity to express its views, the poll shows that 60% of Americans wonder what our government was thinking getting involved in a personal decision. WEll here is the problem. The personal decision belongs to Terri. The Constitution of the United States guarentees every American, rich or poor, in sickness or in health, the right to pursue life... so I'm certainly thankful someone is concerned enough about her rights to take some steps to protect it. I would strongly encourage everyone to make sure they express their wishes very clearly in a living will, so they don't find themselves in this situation.
But I'm also thankful that God Himself shares in this concern, and He has done what was necessary to impart, not only physical life, but eternal life, to everyone who will receive it. This life is not our right. We cannot earn it, and do not deserve it. But He offers it, nonethe less, having sent His Son to go through the agony of death on the cross to pay for our sins, that we might have the privilege of receiving this gift. How many of us will take it?
Posted by Pastorkeith at March 22, 2005 08:25 PM