The Gift of Life
Not long ago, a nephew of mine became the godparent of a newborn boy. There is a picture with the family relaxing before heading to the baptism. My nephew is holding the precious baby lying outstretched in his lap. The baby is looking up into the face of his godparent. Neither were wearing masks. In that moment of real humanity, both were radiant. In that simple, profound picture, we see the gift of life expressed as God intended it to be expressed.
It goes without saying that one need not be a Catholic, a Protestant, or a member of pretty much any other belief system, to fully appreciate the gift of life. Nor does one need to be immersed in any particular culture over the past 4,000 years since Abraham. Appreciation of the gift is intrinsic in all humanity, in all times and places. The rule is that there never has been any societal or cultural confusion about this gift. I only can be immeasurably hostile toward any contrarian who comes up with some obscure “exception” to the rule, as if that proves anything. The simple fact is that until the last century and the onset of communism/socialism, in all times and in all places, the gift of life was appreciated, reverenced, and celebrated.
It certainly was appreciated, reverenced, and celebrated 2,000 years ago when the Angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and proclaimed to them good news of great joy — for all people — that the Savior was born in the City of David. How can we possibly grasp the refulgence of that moment when the multitude of Heavenly Hosts appeared and joined the Angel in praising God, saying “Glory to God in the Highest!” The Heavens proclaimed the greatness of the newborn Messiah.
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