Leaders in Truth
How is it possible to teach that God has formed us, called us by name, and determined a purpose for our life?
Last school year, the kids at St. John’s in 7th and 8th grade had the opportunity to witness a live ultrasound. Thanks to a willing mom, the beauty of kicks, hiccups, and high fives from the infant in the womb became not just a theoretical mystery; it became very real. The sudden change and excitement of mood was instantly visceral the moment we saw the infant’s lively form. The students reacted differently: transfixed, laughing, uncomfortable, and very moved. But that’s the point! If the baby were “nothing” in the womb, all those reactions could not exist.
In 8th grade Religion class, we learned about transcendental values like truth, goodness, and beauty. These three values bring balance to our soul. In Catholicism, we know that God is at the beginning, middle, and end of all truth, goodness, and beauty. Without God, we cannot achieve any consequential spiritual satisfaction.
Therefore, because we pursue the truth that all life has God-given value, every single person needs to talk more about it. On September 12th, a representative from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life gave a presentation at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. His final plea to all that attended was this: contribute to the culture of life by talking about it. Talk with love and with earnestness. Talk to the faithful, and to the secular. The increasing jadedness to life has become the norm. Evangelization of heart on this issue won’t happen in silence; we cannot fear this conversation because we are losing our culture.
News outlets have opined their conclusion that in order to keep the peace, these issues shouldn’t be brought up between families and friends. No. The beauty of all life is not politics. It’s transcendental, and if it cannot be protected, then truth, goodness and beauty take a back seat to whatever our students are watching on social media. Obviously, the values dictated to the kids on social media are creating the opposite of what God has intended for us.
So, Rochester Catholic Schools are taking a step in the right direction. This January, we will be taking a contingent of middle and high school students to the March for Life in Washington D.C.! Our hope is that we will inspire students to be leaders in treating all people with dignity and respect, no matter what age, and under all circumstances. We are at the beginning stages of planning, but we are so grateful for all the support from the Diocese, and from the staff and Human Dignity group here at St. John’s. We would appreciate any prayers you parishioners can send our way as well!
Saint Mother Teresa once said “I cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” We cannot change the culture by allowing ourselves to be voiceless. With love, with compassion, we Catholics must be leaders in truth, and teach our youngsters to do the same!
Amelia Smith
Religion Teacher at St. John's Middle School
In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. Each week, as we celebrate the dignity of human life, we will share uplifting stories highlighting our call as Christians to embrace the beauty of the human person whether they be young, old, living with a disability, unborn, experiencing economic instability, etc. To get involved with more discussions about human dignity, consider joining the Human Dignity Group by contacting Megan Rodriguez at the parish center.