After Easter

I have refrained from commenting publicly on the Terri Schaivo case. It is a personal and private family matter. I have been close to a number of situations like this in my years of ministry, and from experience can say that we (the public and the media) have no business being involved in it. On any given day there are thousands of persons and families all over the country in a similar circumstance. Anyone who has been in such a spot knows how dreadful it is even without all the spectators.

The most obvious lesson being drawn from the case is the importance of having end of life directives. A “living will” is part of a set of documents we should all have. Some years ago my parents drew up a living will and a document granting me durable powers of attorney for their medical care and other business. I am so thankful to God for this. When catastrophic health problems struck my parents shortly thereafter, the ability to make and execute decisions on their behalf made all the difference in their treatment and care. If you have not made these arrangements, do so as quickly as you can. You may spare your loved ones much agony by this simple action.

The other lesson I am taking from this case is about Christian belief. We are people of the resurrection. The resurrection is at the center of our message. It is the primary hope of our faith. It pains me to say that many people seem to have forgotten this bit of truth.

It is ironic that over the Easter weekend I failed to hear a single reference to resurrection among the many “reverends” who have inserted themselves as spokesmen for the family of Terri Schaivo. Not once have I heard anyone from the “culture of life” group say anything about the resurrection and the hope of heaven. We believe in the right to life for Terri. Does anybody believe in resurrection for Terri?

I worry that the phrase “culture of life” may actually mean “fear of death.” Christians are not to be afraid of death. While it is good to “err on the side of life,” for a Christian death is not the worst thing that can happen. The hallmark of Christian faith is the belief in eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In her resurrection body Terri Schaivo will be free from the limits of the last fifteen years. This should be a source of comfort and joy to all who believe.

This is a complicated and tragic case. The pain is excruciating on all sides. People of good will may disagree over it. Regardless of our positions on such issues as end of life care, we must conduct ourselves as people of faith, hope, and love. Not only are we to believe passionately; we are also called to bear witness to Jesus Christ and his resurrection. That is what Easter is all about.