'Death', on T.V.

How would you react to watching a little T.V. at night and maybe coming across a documentary that catches your eye.

Hmmm. A documentary which appears to show the relationship of a very sick husband, tended by his loving wife who is sitting by his bedside.

You think to yourself, "This is touching, a couple sharing the struggles of life, caring for one another".

You remember your wedding vows, "... for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...

But what you don't (or do) realize is that you're watching an actual 'Suicide' and the husband on screen is passing away right before your eyes..... ON T.V.

Moments before he dies, she asks him: “Can I give you a kiss?”

Craig replies: “Of course” and Mary adds: “I love you.”

Craig says: “I love you, sweetheart, so much.”

Mary then tells him: “Have a safe journey, I will see you some time.”

Such is the case in th U.K.

'Sky Real Lives' aired this documentary with the sanction of the government.

As Catholics we know that Euthanasia is wrong and goes against the teachings of the church.

Euthanasia CCC 2276-2283

Euthanasia
2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.
2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.
Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.
2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.
2279 Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.
Suicide
2280 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.
2281 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.
2282 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.

See also Pain: CCC 164, 272, 376, 385, 1431, 1435, 1460, 1490, 1521, 1607, 1609

Link: Catechism of the Catholic Church


Yet this (Euthanasia) is not just happening in the U.K., it's actually legal in Oregon.

Here are some stat's on 'Assisted Suicide Laws'

Currently, 35 STATES have statutes explicitly criminalizing assisted suicide :

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin
NINE states criminalize assisted suicide through common law:

Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia

THREE states have abolished the common law of crimes and do not have statutes criminalizing assisted suicide :

North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming

In Ohio, that state's supreme court ruled in October 1996 that assisted suicide is not a crime.
In Virginia, there is no real clear case law on assisted suicide , nor is there is a statute criminalizing the act, although there is a statute which imposes civil sanctions on persons assisting in a suicide.

Only Oregon permits physician- assisted suicide.

Source: Associated Press.Provided by Infonet List is a daily compilation of pro-life news and educational information.


It seems more and more we are becoming a society of 'the easy way out' as evident with now numerous bailouts, corporations and mortgages.

With euthanasia I would actually catagorize this and 'the easy way out' most of the time it's centered around some sickness/pain related circumstance.

No one likes pain.

Yet, when look to Our Lord for answers, we can see by his life's example, his answer is there before us.

In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus tells us:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,for I am meek and humble of heart;and you will find rest for yourselves.For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Euthanasia is not the answer...