392 ACTS THAT VIOLATE THE HUMAN RIGHT TO BODILY INTEGRITY

YOUCAT Lesson 392

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

392  What sorts of acts violate the human right to bodily integrity?

This right is violated by the use of violence, kidnapping and hostage taking, terrorism, torture, rape, and forced sterilization as well as by amputation and mutilation.  [2297-2298]

Alabama State Troopers Attack John Lewis at the Edmund Pettis Bridge, March 7, 1965.  Lewis went on to be elected to the U.S. Congress representing Georgia’s 5^th District. ….. 392

These fundamental violations against justice, charity, and human dignity are not justified even when they are backed by government authority.  Conscious of the historical guilt of Christians as well, the Church today fights against all use of physical or psychological force, especially against torture.

“Christians have often denied the Gospel; yielding to a mentality of power, they have violated the rights of ethnic groups and peoples and shown contempt for their cultures and religious traditions: be patient and merciful towards us (O Lord), and grant us your forgiveness!” -- Saint Pope John Paul II (1920-2005), Prayer for Forgiveness in the Jubilee Year 2000

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2297-2298]

Respect for bodily integrity

2297 Kidnapping and hostage taking bring on a reign of terror; by means of threats they subject their victims to intolerable pressures. They are morally wrong. Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity. Torture which uses physical or moral violence to extract confessions, punish the guilty, frighten opponents, or satisfy hatred is contrary to respect for the person and for human dignity. Except when performed for strictly therapeutic medical reasons, directly intended amputations, mutilations, and sterilizations performed on innocent persons are against the moral law. (Compare Denzinger-Schonmetzer 3722.)⁹¹ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2298 In times past, cruel practices were commonly used by legitimate governments to maintain law and order, often without protest from the Pastors of the Church, who themselves adopted in their own tribunals the prescriptions of Roman law concerning torture. Regrettable as these facts are, the Church always taught the duty of clemency and mercy. She forbade clerics to shed blood. In recent times it has become evident that these cruel practices were neither necessary for public order, nor in conformity with the legitimate rights of the human person. On the contrary, these practices led to ones even more degrading. It is necessary to work for their abolition. We must pray for the victims and their tormentors. --CCC

YOUCAT Lesson 391

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

391  Is organ donation important?

Donating organs can lengthen life or improve the quality of life, and therefore it is a genuine service to one’s neighbor, provided no one is forced to do it.  [2296]

Brain Stem Death donation awareness program. (I’ve never heard of a person with 20 fingers!)….. 391

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2296]

Respect for the person and scientific research

2296 Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as an expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

390 EXPERIMENTS ON LIVE HUMAN BEINGS

YOUCAT Lesson 390, June 8, 2015

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

390  Is it permissible to experiment on a live human being?

Scientific, psychological, or medical experiments on a live human subject are allowed only when the results that can be expected are important for human well-being and cannot be obtained otherwise.  Everything, however, must take place with the free and informed consent of the subject in question.  [2292-2295]

Wanda Poltawska a Polish physician was a Nazi prisoner at the Ravensbruck concentration camp in the German Reich and, with other women prisoners, was subjected for four years to medical experiments and then left for dead. ….. 390

To make human beings the subjects of research against their will is a crime.  The fate of the Polish resistance fighter Dr. Wanda Poltawska, a close confidant of Pope John Paul II, reminds us what was at stake then and still is now.  During the Nazi period, Wanda Poltawska was a victim of criminal human experiments in the Ravensbruck concentration camp.  Later Dr. Poltawska, a psychiatrist, advocated a reform of medical ethics and was among the founding members of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

 “One after the other they wheeled us out, powerless, helpless.  Along the corridor in front of the door to the operating room we were anaesthetized by Dr. Schidlausky with an intravenous injection.  Before going to sleep a thought flashed through my mind that I could no longer express: ‘But we are not guinea pigs.’  No, we are not guinea pigsl  We were human beings!”  Wanada Poltawska  (b. 1921) auther of “And I Am Afraid Of My Dreams”.

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2292-2295]

Respect for the person and scientific research

2292 Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2293 Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits. --CCC

2294 It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God. --CCC

2295 Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimatize acts that are in themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law. The subjects' potential consent does not justify such acts. Experimentation on human beings is not morally legitimate if it exposes the subject's life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or avoidable risks. Experimentation on human beings does not conform to the dignity of the person if it takes place without the informed consent of the subject or those who legitimately speak for him. --CCC

389 RESPECT FOR HEALTH--DRUGS

YOUCAT Lesson 389

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

389  Why is it a sin to take drugs”

Using drugs is a sin because it is an act of self-destruction and thus an offense against the life that God has given us out of love.  [2290-2291]

Byzantine icon of the cursing of the fig tree. ….. 389

fig : a worthless trifle : the least bit :doesn’t care--Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 10^th edition.

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree.    The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.  Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs.  And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.

The Withered Fig Tree.     Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.  Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” -- Mark 11:12-14, 20-21

Every form of a person’s dependence on legal substances (alcohol, medication, tobacco) and even more so on illegal drugs is an exchange of freedom for slavery; it damages the health and life of the person concerned and also does great harm to the people around him.  Every time a person loses or forgets himself by becoming intoxicated, which can also include excessive eating and drinking, indulgence in sexual activity, or speeding with an automobile, he loses some of his human dignity and freedom and therefore sins against God.  This should be distinguished from the reasonable, conscious, and moderate use of enjoyable things.  286

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2290-2291]

Respect for health

2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law. --CCC

388 RESPECT FOR HEALTH

YOUCAT Lesson 388

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

388  How important is health?

Health is an important value, but not an absolute one.  We should treat our God-given body gratefully and carefully, but not be obsessed with it.  [2288-2291]

Abbey and the mountain by Benabbey.  Thoreau walked 34 miles (55 km) to Mount Wachusett, shown in the distance. ….. 388

Appropriate care for the health of its citizens is one of the fundamental obligations of the State, which must create living conditions in which sufficient food, sanitary housing, and basic medical care are available to all.

  

“Their God is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”  Philippians 3:19

 II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

  

[2288-2291]

  

Respect for health

2288 Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of living-conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment, and social assistance. --CCC

 2289 If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for its sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports. By its selective preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human relationships. --CCC

2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. --CCC

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law. --CCC

387 YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU

YOUCAT Lesson 387

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

387  How should we treat our body?

The Fifth Commandment forbids also the use of violence against one’s own body.  Jesus expressly demands that we accept and love ourselves: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

Painting:  St. Paul Writing His Epistles by Valintin de Boulogne. 

St. Paul wrote: “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take Christ’s members and make them the members of a prostitute?  Of course not!  [Or] do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For “the two,” it says, “will become one flesh.”  But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.  Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body.  Do you not know that your body is a temple^* of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.”--1 Corinthians 6:15-20 ….. 387

Self-destructive acts against one’s own body (“body piercings”, cutting and so on) are in most cases psychological reactions to experiences of abandonment and a lack of love; hence they call first and foremost for our sincere and loving response.  Within the context of organ donation (while living), it must be made clear, however, that there is no human right to destroy one’s own God-given body.  379 

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 20, 2017

Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman by Drouais. ..... 387

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 20, 2017

Lectionary: 118

  Reading 1IS 56:1, 6-7

Thus says the LORD:  Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed.

The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, ministering to him, loving the name of the LORD, and becoming his servants—all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Responsorial PsalmPS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!

 May God have pity on us and bless us;

may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.

 R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.

 R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

Reading 2ROM 11:13-15, 29-32

Brothers and sisters:  I am speaking to you Gentiles.  Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them.  For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.  Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy.  For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

AlleluiaCF. MT 4:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom

and cured every disease among the people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMT 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!  My daughter is tormented by a demon."  But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.  Jesus' disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."  He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."  But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me."  He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs."  She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."  Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish."  And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.