Hello All,
Merry Christmas!
I am afraid this is going to be a somber entry for the Christmas season.
I have been thinking about death as most people, if they think of Jesus at all, are thinking about birth. It’s just that my dad is not well. It seems to be a battle of ups and downs with his health. (Some of which is within his control to fix, but he won’t.)
I wonder if it’s his old-school Roman Catholic upbringing. We are sinful and we must suffer for our sins before we die. He’s carrying around a lot of unnecessary baggage.
The Bible does say that we must suffer, as Christ suffered, but I don’t believe this scripture means self-harm. We will have suffering and struggles in this life, but to add to that suffering willingly seems rather pointless and I dare say, is not of God.
The other trigger that got me thinking about death was from an article I had heard about. A woman who could no longer afford rent was considering Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), as it seemed to be the only option.
I reached out to a friend and asked his thoughts. He reminded me of the story I had heard about in the news, and that Canadian legislation has changed (via Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)), making the criteria of those who qualify for MAiD wider. As a book lover, it made me think of the following quote:
“I don't make merry myself at Christmas, and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned--they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there."
"Many can't go there; and many would rather die."
"If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
(A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens)
Oh, Canada, have we really created a society that would “kill off” those who are poor and vulnerable? Is this who we are?
I can understand why someone who is terminally ill would seek MAiD. I can even understand why someone battling mental illness might want to give up the fight. (This understanding comes from personal experience of having a mother who has attempted suicide twice in my lifetime.)
I haven’t mentioned MAiD as a possible option to my dad. I don’t know if he is aware of it, or if he would even consider it. All I know, is that he is suffering, punishing himself for his sins and it’s really hard to watch.
But, since actually reading the article and others, I have to reconsider my position about its morality.
Right now, my personal opinion is this: I think MAiD has its purpose and place, but we have gone too far.
As for my dad, I know that all I can do is speak forgiveness and love to him and hope he finds his way. I can probably say the same for myself. How about you?
I hope you find love, peace, joy and the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living this Christmas / holiday season.
Thank you for reading,
Ellie