Gospel in Art: A call to action - Make your voice heard against Assisted Suicide

The Houses of Parliament by Sunset, by Claude Monet, 1904 © Alamy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 31 October 2024
Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came up to Jesus. 'Go away' they said. 'Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.' He replied, 'You may go and give that fox this message: Learn that today and tomorrow I cast out devils and on the third day attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside Jerusalem.

'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! So be it! Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till the time comes when you say:

'Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!'

Reflection on the Parliamentary Bill on Assisted Suicide

As we reach the final day of October, it has been a sombre month for those of us living in the UK. On Wednesday, 16 October 2024, a bill was introduced to Parliament proposing a change in the law to permit assisted suicide. This ongoing debate raises critical questions about the dignity of human life and the level of care and protection our society extends to every individual, especially to the elderly, disabled and sick.

As valued members of our online community, we encourage you to make your voices heard in this crucial debate. You can share your thoughts by leaving a comment below today's post on our website, or by replying directly to the daily email, or by contacting us at info@christian.art. Even a brief email stating "I oppose the current bill on assisted suicide," would make a meaningful impact. We will gather all the comments and send them to our local MP here in Westminster. The more responses we collect, the stronger our Christian voice will be in opposing the current proposals. We appreciate your support and participation!

A few weeks ago, Cardinal Vincent Nichols requested that a specially prepared Pastoral Letter on assisted suicide be read in all churches. I am sharing this important letter with you now. One line resonated with me deeply: "the right to die can become a duty to die"-a statement that holds profound truth.

Click here to read the Cardinal's letter.

The artwork I share with you today, is a painting by Claude Monet of the Houses of Parliament, where the proposed bill on assisted suicide is currently under debate. This painting is currently on view at the Courtauld Gallery, London, which is showcasing a beautiful exhibition of Claude Monet's depictions of London. Claude Monet spent time in London on several occasions, especially during the early 1870s and later in the early 1900s. Initially, he fled to London during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-1871, seeking refuge and finding inspiration in the city's atmosphere, particularly its mist and fog, which he saw as unique to London. Monet returned to London in the early 1900s, producing some of his most famous series of paintings featuring views of the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, and Waterloo Bridge. He would mainly paint from a room in the Savoy Hotel and often from St Thomas' Hospital across the river.

Once more, I invite you to take part in this important debate by leaving a comment, no matter how brief, on our website or through email.

May God's guidance be upon us all at this crucial time,

Fr Patrick

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-13-31-35-2024/