Q U I C K S C A N

What is Church teaching on God’s gift of life?
What are the circumstances surrounding suicide?
How does one compassionately respond?

Readers reflect on Friar Jack’s musings

by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.

What is Church teaching on God’s gift of life?

One of the most consistent teachings of the Church is respect for life from conception until natural death. The reason is simple: “Human life is sacred because it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator who is its sole end” (Catechism of the Catholic Chuch, #2258).

No one of God’s creatures can claim for himself the right to destroy an innocent human being nor take his own life. Unfortunately, human history has shown from the very beginning that often God’s gift of life is treated as something cheap and, in some circumstances, worthless. Everyone is responsible for his life before God, the origin of life, because God alone remains sovereign master of life (CCC, #2282).

Having said that, we know that people do take their own lives and become, as we call them, “suicide victims.”  Their deaths leave families and loved ones numb and stunned. However, we know in our hearts that those who take their own lives are not “bad” people.

When I speak of suicide in this article, I’m not referring to euthanasia, which is the ending of innocent life by the hand of another, though sometimes with the agreement of the person dying (CCC, #2227). Rather, I want to reflect specifically on situations involving those who end their lives themselves.

Everyone would agree that self-preservation is the strongest instinct we humans have. Our basic drive is to escape death, not seek it. Given that universal observation, suicide seems to contradict that basic inborn desire of self-preservation. In the U.S., the suicide rate is about 12 per 100,000 deaths. In 1997, 1.3% of all the deaths were by suicide. This compares to 31% of deaths from heart disease, 23% from cancer and 7% from stroke (ReligiousTolerance.org).

What are the circumstances surrounding suicide?

If humans are endowed with this basic life instinct, why would anyone take his own life? Anyone who has known a suicide victim may have an explanation, but there are always questions surrounding the tragedy: Was the suicide victim deeply disturbed or in emotional trauma? Was he experiencing paralyzing depression? Was he in so much physical or emotional pain that he could not think straight? Was the victim unaware of how many drugs he was taking and why?

As a priest of 45 years, I have encountered suicide more than a few times. In all cases, the victims were suffering terribly but managed to keep it hidden. When looking at their lives, problems, fears and illnesses, it was not difficult for me to see their pain—a pain that forces them to decide, either for themselves or the sake of loved ones, that they are better off dead.

We must be very careful about jumping to conclusions about suicide. Many say that because suicide is a mortal sin, suicide victims will always go to hell. If the suicide victim was a loved one of yours, would you draw that same conclusion? Some people may, and that is terribly unfortunate. Only God knows a person’s final disposition. They have failed to address the situation with understanding and compassion. To talk about sin and punishment is unchristian and unsympathetic to grieving family and loved ones.

How does one compassionately respond?

The Church reminds us that “grave psychological disturbances, anguish or grave fear of hardship, suffering or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide” (CCC, #2282b). A person tortured by intense physical or mental pain often thinks of only one thing: escape. The Church also teaches, “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of such person. 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” (CCC, #2283). That is why the Church will always have a funeral Mass for the victim and will remind friends and family members that Jesus is infinitely compassionate to the suffering.

Every family involved in the tragedy of suicide deserves to be supported and treated with love and understanding in every way possible. We can say with some certainty that almost all people who take their lives do so only to escape the pain they experience. It is not to act in defiance of God’s gift of life. Because of the unique circumstances of their lives, the gift of life became unbearable. It is sobering and worthwhile for each of us to humbly ask ourselves what we would do in similar circumstances.

Friar Jack’s Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jack’s musings on “St. Anthony and the Child Jesus: A Christmas Meditation.”

Dear Friar Jack: I read all the way through your “St. Anthony and the Child Jesus” and agree that the statue is very unusual. I think it is so very good that you went to Padua, Italy, saw the statue yourself, and then wrote such a fine “report” to us viewers of your Web site. I plan to forward this to a good Catholic friend in Houston. I’ll ask him to read it and share with other e-mail friends. May God bless you, and keep the good messages coming! Veronica

Dear Friar Jack: I hope that you had a peaceful and restorative Christmas! I wanted to thank you for your E-spiration [about the statue of St. Anthony]. It was wonderfully thought-provoking. I am forwarding it to my three daughters. My oldest daughter spent a year in Italy and wants to return to live there. She visited the Basilica. Keep traveling and writing about your travels. I love taking a break from work and reading those e-mails. Happy New Year! Pat

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you so much for making available to us the picture of this charming statue. Charming it is, because the Child Jesus is always charming. But moreso, this is an inspired statue, an object of grace. Our Lord, in the manifestation of the Child, grace itself, hovers over the saint, the conduit of his grace. It is beautifully done. Not sugary sentimental, but objectively true theologically and emotionally touching. Thank you once again. Happy New Year in the Lord.
Alicia

Dear Friar Jack: My best friend and I both wear St. Anthony medals. First, I got one and then bought him one. Mine was very old and worn, so he bought me a silver one that will never wear out. It has one string of silver around it with no clip to break. St. Anthony has always found everything that I have ever lost. He is a great saint and we both love him very much. Thanks for writing about him. I hope to see him in heaven.
Kathleen

Dear Readers: My thanks go out to all who responded with e-mails to my musings on this unusual statue of St. Anthony. Let me also remind you and your loved ones that you remain in my prayers month after month. Peace and love, Friar Jack

Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org.

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