Euthanasia
Knowing your attention and sensitivity to the problems of disadvantaged people, I want to share with you my doubts—or rather, my outright opposition—to the various attempts to introduce euthanasia. In the Netherlands it is already law, approved by Parliament. The Italian press has written about it as an act of civilization. Recently, at a bioethics forum in Milan, there was much talk of informed consent and dignified death. But how can one not see past the good intentions endorsed by a handful of "stoics" to recognize the inability of our Western society to face the steady lengthening of life and its reluctance to bear the costs? The proof lies in this: to refuse futile medical treatment and to apply and promote proper pain therapy, we do not need a law on "state-sanctioned death." Current legislation—as has been pointed out, and perhaps with some modifications—already allows it.
But who has the right to decide when a life is no longer dignified and not worth living?
How genuine can the consent be of someone weakened by suffering?
How can we hand such a terrible legal instrument to a society that pursues economic gain as its highest value, without any other certainties, that is abandoning the values it once held, that admires cynicism when it pays? Why not think about the frustration and alienation it would produce in the elderly sick, the depressed, the socially and mentally marginalized, those with severe disabilities? It would make them feel useless, a burden to society. They would be considered devoid of dignity for wanting to continue living—a kind of mobbing to pressure them into taking their own leave from life.
But how do we help people understand that true death for the individual and for society is the loss of love and solidarity?
Perhaps what is needed is an extra measure of love and commitment to share in so many situations of grave hardship, so that the burdens we carry together become lighter.
You work toward this goal, and I have always valued your dedication.
Many others today bear witness to solidarity, but since we rely on surveys and call just what wins the most support, we cannot resign ourselves to silence. Yet what can we do? My warmest wishes to the entire editorial team, and a strong embrace.
Maria Rosa Ciampi
Like a Friend
I'm on a bus from Palermo heading to Monopoli. I'm going to a wedding that will unite Daniele from Palermo and Paola from Monopoli (BA) after they met through Fede e Luce. I brought a copy of Ombre e Luci along and read it straight away—I nearly devoured it. For some time now, reading the letters sent to your editorial team, I've wanted to write a message myself because I saw myself in them. Perhaps the moment has come, and these twelve hours of travel are giving me that gift. For ten years now, Ombre e Luci has walked with me through life. When the mail carrier brings it or I find it waiting at home, it's always been a joy. It's like a friend who comes to visit, faithful, punctual. And yet it's only printed and stapled pages! For me it's as if it were "alive"—perhaps because the images, testimonies, phrases, comments, and experiences take shape through it and become situations that challenge me, parents I end up thinking about, young people I wish I could embrace…
Enza Gucciardo
I Often Speak of You
It has been a great joy to encounter you on my path. Bravo! Bravissimo! Every time your magazine appears, it never disappoints me—it stirs me to think and reflect on aspects I'd ignored or thought I knew too well. You are so "luminous" (I should say bearers of light, but "lightbringers" has that odd ring…) that I often speak of you to others.
I'm sending you the address of a young woman who would like to know about your magazine.
This is my first FAX, because I usually prefer to speak (unfortunately!); let's hope it's the beginning of a long series. I embrace you warmly, blessing and praising the Lord whom I "see" also through your generosity and years of faithful witness and commitment.
Silvana - Bagno a Ripoli (FI)