[stephenkhoo]

PROMOTING THE CULTURE OF LIFE AGAINST ALL OPPOSITION
SCRIPTURE READINGS: JEREMIAH 38:4-6.8-10; HEBREWS 12:1-4; LUKE 12:49-53
We live in a world that makes it increasingly difficult to live the gospel life because of secularism, materialism and relativism. Although we all seek unity, yet when society no longer has shared values, it is very difficult to promote unity. Shared values depend on a common moral foundation for reference. But with secularism, when God is denied, pragmatism rules, which means that actions are based on what is expedient and practical.
This was the case of the false prophets in the first reading. When the Prophet Jeremiah spoke the truth, the false prophets, in the name of expediency, tried to resolve the problem superficially. “They said, to the king. ‘Let this man be put to death: he is unquestionably disheartening the remaining soldiers in the city, and all the people too, by talking like this. The fellow does not have the welfare of this people at heart so much as its ruin.’” When population increases, we say, stop at two or you will be penalized. We encourage easy abortion. Now abortion is discouraged not because it is wrong but for pragmatic reasons. Because of the aging population, many are advocating euthanasia, simply because the aged are useless to us and a burden to the young and to society.
What is the real problem? We see people in utilitarian terms. Merits and productivity are the catch phrases of this society. If you are useful to us, you can stay. Otherwise you are unwanted. It has to do with an individualistic and materialistic culture. It is all about me. It is selfishness. Regardless of how sick and old we are, if we are truly loved, who would desire to die. If we know we are loved, we will want to live forever, even when we are sick; and our loved ones would want us to be with them even in our sickness.
It is in such context that Jesus spoke of the baptism of fire: “I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!” This baptism of fire refers to the trials that Jesus had to go through to purify the world. This purification takes place by being the light of the world in words and deed.
The encyclical of our Holy Father, Lumen Fidei, Pope Francis invites us to be the light of the World. We are called to proclaim the truth, Jesus Himself as the light of the world, so that people will not be deceived into following the illusory light and the way of darkness. In a world of sin and selfishness, falsehood and distortion of truths, doom and gloom, we must shed light in the world. We are called to be prophets and bring unity to the world based on truth.
But the proclamation of truth is perhaps the most difficult task which entails much anguish and suffering. This voice is always threatened by the world and by Satan, the father of all lies. Truth is often distorted and misrepresented by those who have selfish and ulterior motives. As a result, anyone who seeks to proclaim the truth would need to shed not only tears but blood in upholding the truth. The Church has many enemies, from within and without. There is an increasing hostility towards the Church, especially to discredit the leaders of the Church. This is the strategy of the world, for by undermining the credibility of leaders, they undermine their authority.
Understandably, we can appreciate the warning of Jesus when He said, “Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
But in the face of materialism and relativism, it is difficult to uphold truth today. We are aware that being Catholic, doctors and nurses upholding the value of life and the dignity of the human person face a very daunting challenge in today’s world. To play the role of prophet is very intimidating as we will be persecuted, if not directly at least indirectly, through measures in which those who do not promote the culture of death, especially abortion, would suffer disadvantages in their work place, whether in terms of remuneration or promotion. Many nurses even though in conscience object to abortion or euthanasia, are pressurized to conform for fear of being sacked or rejected in work application. Those who are pro-life are discriminated in their application. Even those who oppose other procedures, such as in-vitro fertilization are also discriminated. As a result, some nurses and doctors, to protect their interests and needs, submit to the pressure and end up as accomplices to the crimes against humanity, especially the innocent. This is true for lawyers as well in the defence of the truth, for some lawyers can be motivated by money and not justice. Yet, the only reason why they are lawyers is to defend the truth and uphold justice for humanity.
Where can we find courage in the face of such opposition? How can we continue to stand firm in our trials. Alone we cannot! But the second reading reminds us, “With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we too, then, should throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily, and keep running steadily in the race we have started.” Jeremiah was saved by his faithful friend, Ebed-melech who interceded on his behalf to the king to rescue him from the pit.
We too must stand with, by and for each other. This is why we need to form associations, whether of doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc so that they can uphold their values, to give them voice to express their struggles, and to give them solidarity in their cause for life and truth. It must be clear that the state can legalize abortion, same-sex union, gambling, but it cannot make these moral. Indeed, without the support of fellow colleagues, it would be difficult to live the Catholic life in our profession. Guilds are formed precisely as associations to provide a forum for collaboration and solidarity among those of the same profession. To regard oneself as a Catholic doctor, lawyer or nurse means that we are ready to protect the sanctity of life at all costs, uphold the truth for all, doing it for the love of God and our fellowmen. Unless we speak as a body on such issues, no one will hear us and listen to us. If we are to be prophets in our own profession, when others hear our moral stand, they will also support us. Otherwise, they will be misled by the world as they hear only one side of the argument which is persuasive, because it is based on pragmatism and individualism.
But least we think that our battle is only against human beings, St Paul warns us it is not. In the letter to Ephesians, he wrote, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6;10-12)
Even in our darkest moment, we must realize we are not alone. God is faithful. He never abandons us. In the process of the battle, it is true, we might have to suffer some injury and go through the pain and anguish. But we must stick to the truth and be firm to stand our ground. God is our commander in this battle against sin and evil. He is the Lord of Hosts. He will be victorious. He will not leave us alone to fight this Holy War, the war against evil and sin.
To find strength in such moments, we are called to contemplate on the face of the crucified Christ. Indeed, we only have to contemplate on how Jesus struggled against sin and falsehood to the point of death, scourged and ignominiously hung on the cross. We find strength by meditating on the passion of Christ. Through His wounds, we are healed!
Indeed, we need to put on the full armor God, as St Paul exhorts us, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:13-17)