The Roman Catholic Church professes what is called a “consistent ethic of life” because we believe in our hearts that each and every human being is created in the image and likeness of God; and that Jesus Christ suffered, died, and was resurrected for each and every one of us. In this way, every human being, without exception, is sacred and loved unconditionally by our God who is Master of the Universe and Creator of heaven and earth. In 1971, Eileen Egan (1912-2000), the founder of the organization that would become known as Pax Christi USA, first likened this consistent ethic of life to the “seamless garment” that Jesus wore but was not torn by his executioners (John 19:23). And in 1984, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (1928-1996), Archbishop of Chicago, delivered a series of lectures that gave full voice to the Church’s belief in the sanctity of every human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

Cardinal Bernardin, a soft-spoken and deeply prayerful priest, spoke initially against the legalization of abortion and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. But he soon expanded the scope of the “seamless garment” to include assisted suicide, capital punishment, education, euthanasia, health care, poverty, torture, and unjust war. Cardinal Bernardin argued that each of these issues is complex and different, but that they are all linked because the intrinsic value of human life is at the center of each one. He said: “When human life is considered ‘cheap’ or easily expendable in one area, eventually nothing is held as sacred and all lives are in jeopardy.” As a Catholic and as a citizen, I couldn’t agree more.

In a few weeks, we will be faced with the challenge of entering the privacy of the voting booth to choose a new president. Although I have been asked many times in recent months about which candidate we, as Catholics, should support, I agree with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that it is not the place of either priest or bishop to endorse one candidate or one party over another. At the same time, it is part of my charism and obligation as a priest to share the teachings and traditions of the Church with my fellow parishioners. Needless to say, this poses a real test for me and for my brother priests and pastors.

Overall, it seems clear that none of the major political parties in the United States professes a consistent ethic of life that reflects the fullness of the Church’s teachings. Likewise, neither of the leading presidential candidates represents the prin- ciples of the seamless garment as advocated by Catholic theologians like Eileen Egan and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. On some level, this is understandable because politics is a human endeavor and human beings are imperfect. At the same time, Catholics are called to be “moved by mercy” to accept differences, forgive and love each other, and preach the Gospel to the whole world.

In this way, before we enter the voting booth next month, we can pray with the following questions: Do we believe in the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death? Do we believe in defending the lives of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters: the aged, the condemned, the disabled, the poor, the sick, the stranger, and the unborn? Do we believe that taking a human life through neglect, punishment, or torture is unjust? Do we believe that a wholehearted respect for life involves sharing God’s love and mercy with all people, no matter who they are, what they are, or where they’re from? If we answer “yes” to these questions, then we take one step closer toward preserving the seamless garment of life. As the election draws near, let us pray together for our country, for our leaders, and for each other.

Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-16-16)
Bringing Home the Word (10-16-16)

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Moved By Mercy: A Vigil for Life
Friday, October 21st