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Common Ground: Pope John Paul II and Terri Schiavo Commentary by Allan F. Wright March 31, 2005 Pope John Paul II and Terri Schiavo ¡V both household names we discuss as if they were old friends. While on the surface these two individuals seem completely separate, they both challenge us to consider the intrinsic value of each and every human life. Terri Schiavo and the Holy Father are true contradictions to our modern world. Their limitations and frailties cause us to confront the reality that life in its totality is full of suffering ¡V period. It can be difficult to view current photos of Terri lying in her bed, in need of constant care, crying out for help with her eyes. Those images are starkly different from the ones of the beautiful, vibrant young woman who slipped into a coma some fifteen years ago. In the same way, Pope John Paul causes us pause as we view this once physically robust man who has traveled the globe preaching the Gospel and defending human dignity, now struggling to wave to a crowd. His physical features shake beyond his control, yet he continues to witness to the value of human life through his own weakness. The Culture of Death wants us to be done with both Terri and Pope John Paul. The Pope, they say, should face his own limitations, retire, and allow someone more ¡¥suited¡¦ for the job to take over. We expect youth and vitality in our leaders and public figures and this pope¡¦s suffering makes us uncomfortable. In the same way, Terri is constantly displayed with her contorted, comatose body as a pathetic figure not fit for life and not worthy to be the recipient of food and water. Talk show hosts and callers often plead to, ¡§let her die in peace.¡¨ Interestingly, not many would consider an excruciatingly painful death from dehydration and starvation a ¡¥peaceful¡¦ way to go. Conversely, the Culture of Life recognizes that every person, from conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and worth. The Culture of Life faces the human condition, in all of its sickness and disease, and says, ¡§Yes! We accept and love you just as you are!¡¨ Despite what one may think, both Pope John Paul II and Terri Schiavo hold great power. These two frail individuals cause us to reflect on the value we truly place on human life ¡V despite its condition. Both figures instigate a thought process of questioning the value of our own lives if we, too, happen to meet a similar fate down the road. The love and compassion shown worldwide for both Terri and the Holy Father from so many causes us to reject a philosophy that values the individual person only for what they can do or accomplish. When we allow ourselves to enter into a utilitarian mindset, we are starting down a slippery slope. Unfortunately history is filled with tragic events when some human lives were deemed more valuable than others. Be it race, religion, or mental capacity, history is strewn with examples wherein human beings callously destroyed others due to arrogance and ignorance. In confronting the human condition of suffering, we come face to face with the difficult reality of our own transience and mortality. Pope John Paul, Terri Schiavo, and all those who love them, now face this reality on a daily basis. The Pope is not afraid to be seen in his current condition. Broken by Parkinson¡¦s and other ailments as he is, he is still a person of value not to be thrown out for a more youthful model. (How many movie stars, athletes and models avoid the spotlight after their abilities and beauty fade?) We may shy away from his current condition and hearken back to his more youthful days but he does not. He knows that Christ shines ever more brightly through him as his own body fails. Both the Pope and Terri also trigger us to consider how we respond to those around us who suffer. Do we look the other direction or embrace them and touch them where they hurt? Do we teach our children to accept people who might not look ¡¥just right?¡¦ If the answer is not yes, than we need to look deeply in ourselves and examine why we fear imperfections in the human condition. We must be present in the face of suffering and recognize the value of all human life no matter its state. Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul II ƒnhave given us a wonderful gift. They have allowed us to look beyond ourselves and to view human suffering not as a punishment, but as a natural phase along the path of life. This is an invaluable lesson that will make everyone¡¦s journey a little easier. We should embrace this time we have and use these two heroes¡¦ stories to better understand the mystery of life. It is likely that neither Terri Schiavo nor Pope John Paul II will be with us much longer on this earth. Now is the time to consider these two individuals, in all their pain and suffering, and allow their courage to challenge us to lead more passionate lives. Allan F. Wright is a popular speaker, instructor on Scripture, and award-winning theology teacher at Union Catholic High School in New Jersey. Allan holds an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University and has traveled and studied throughout the Holy Lands. He is the author of, ¡§Silent Witnesses in the Gospels¡¨ published by Servant Publications. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
