During this month of October, our Mother the Church is asking us to reflect on Respect Life. It is ironic that at the beginning of this month Hollywood gave us two examples of “disrespect” for life: Roman Polanski and David Letterman. The two separate events to which I refer are sad enough for the victims of the abuse: abuse of power, abuse of authority, abuse of human dignity. They are also sad for all of us: these two powerful, popular men have publicly contributed to the further decline of decency and morality worldwide. I don’t think I am overstating the case. As we hear the usual suspects justify one and/or the other, we realize that most of us no longer expect any accountability from those in prominent positions, from those who are held up to us by the media as “stars.” We either shrug our shoulders, so accustomed we are to the abuse of power on the part of the rich and famous, or we join the bandwagon of those who will salute these two men for their “courage” in breaking down traditional values. And so respect for human life keeps losing ground.

Then there are those of us who remain outraged, who continue to stand up against violence in every form, who speak out despite criticism, hostility and often ridicule. Thank God for all those who, through the years, have not given in to the popular pressure and the rationalization and the legislation of violence.

Let us start by thanking God for all those married couples who remain faithful to their vows, who raise their children with love, teaching them the meaning and the value of commitment with the example of their lives. It is not easy; it never was easy and it is more difficult today. Last week, Yahoo had yet another silly article (why do I read them? Just keeping an eye on what the “other side” thinks); this one was about dating. It listed 11 reasons to “break up with your girl friend.” No, I did not read the whole thing, it was not worth the effort; I’ll just mention the two I read. 1. “I only want to see her once a week, and she wants to see me three times.” 2. “I feel that I want to cheat. It’s too much effort remaining faithful, and I’m too honest to cheat.” What a guy, give him a medal!

Unfortunately, the majority sees dating as exactly that: skipping from person to person, in search of the ultimate thrill. When someone else looks more thrilling than the one we have, “good-bye.” No wonder our divorce rate is around 50 percent (and 60 + percent for second marriages, 70+ percent for third marriages!). What does this say about respect for the human person? What does it say about dating preparation in the home? If parents do not show, by example and by word, that love has everything to do with commitment, common ideals and goals, and respect, how are children to learn? I know parents who pray daily with their children for their vocational discernment and, if God calls them to the married state, they pray together for the spouse whom the Lord has destined for them. May God bless these parents and their children! They may not be aware of it, but in doing so, they are fostering Respect for Life. A Christian marriage, where God plays a leading role, is the best defense of life: in that home, there will be no abortions, no abandonment of the weak, no divorce, no infidelity, no violence of any sort. Blessed will the children be! And in such a family, the father will play a leading role in protecting, providing, praying and yes, sacrificing.

Is it a wonder then, that it’s from such families that our spiritual fathers, our priests, are nurtured? I worked in the Office of Vocations, before coming to Holy Trinity. I have witnessed the struggle that so many wonderful and generous young men go through, at the thought of becoming priests. A priest is forever: no divorce, no turning back. No wonder so many who are called turn away! In the back of the mind of many who are preparing for marriage, there is the “escape” of divorce. Even unconsciously, a couple who walks to the altar knows that there is an escape clause. Not so the priest. Oh sure, he can leave and many have done so but, thank God, most young men who are contemplating the priesthood see it as a permanent commitment. And today more than ever, a permanent commitment is a scary thought, one that frightens away many.

That’s why during this month of October, a month dedicated to Respect Life, we should reflect on the great gift of our fathers: both our dads and our priests. It is through their commitment that we were nurtured as children: the one gave us human life through his love for our mothers. The other gave us, and continues to give us, spiritual life through the Sacraments of our Mother Church.

Our fathers may not be famous, rich, powerful or popular, but they are called by God to the forefront of the battle for respect of all human life. May God protect them and give them the strength to fulfill their vocations, with His grace, and through our prayers.