Voting has begun for the 2020 General Election. As we walk into the polling booths, each person must be aware of the grave situation that lies ahead.
Voters will be asked if they want the End of Life Choice Act 2019 to come into force. This Act legalises the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand. In a nutshell, if the referendum passes, medical professionals will be permitted to commit their patients and assist them to commit suicide.
In addition, a good portion of those vying for our votes supported the passing of one of the most liberal abortion laws in the world – The Abortion Legislation Act. The right to life of the most vulnerable among us no longer exists.
New Zealand needs strong people in parliament. Politicians with a firm backbone who will speak up for all people, born and unborn. We must ensure that the parties we vote for have sound policies that uphold the dignity of all people at every stage of life – from the very moment of conception right through to natural death.
Acknowledging the sacredness and right to life of individuals is the foundation for which we can build a strong society. We ignore the most vulnerable among us at our own peril.
Reflection
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life is an important document to refer to. It can be perused not only by Catholics, but by all people of good will who wish to ensure the common good of all people is upheld.
In it, we are reminded that:
“In the face of fundamental and inalienable ethical demands, Christians must recognize that what is at stake is the essence of the moral law, which concerns the integral good of the human person. This is the case with laws concerning abortion and euthanasia (not to be confused with the decision to forgo extraordinary treatments, which is morally legitimate). Such laws must defend the basic right to life from conception to natural death. In the same way, it is necessary to recall the duty to respect and protect the rights of the human embryo. Analogously, the family needs to be safeguarded and promoted, based on monogamous marriage between a man and a woman, and protected in its unity and stability in the face of modern laws on divorce: in no way can other forms of cohabitation be placed on the same level as marriage, nor can they receive legal recognition as such.” (#4)
Action
When considering which political party and candidate to vote for, research their positions on abortion, euthanasia, gender, prostitution and family issues. Will this party or candidate be a hindrance or a help to building a culture of life?
Prayer
Litany of St. Thomas More, Martyr and Patron Saint of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ have mercy
R. Christ have mercy
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ hear us
R. Christ, graciously hear us
V. St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr,
R. Pray for us (Repeat after each invocation)
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ
St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Defender of the Weak and the Poor
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity
V.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R.Spare us O Lord
V.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R.Graciously hear us O Lord
V.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R.Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood. Intercede for our
Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defense and promotion of the sanctity of human life – the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
