Spiritual Corner -- Life Born From Death

On May, 2005, the Church canonized an ordinary woman as a Saint. Her name is Gianna Beretta Molly. She was born in 1922 of a devout Italian family. She was enthusiastic in evangelizing work and participated in many Church activities. She had four children after marriage. Being a doctor, she took great care of her patients.

She was diagnosed with cancer while bearing her youngest daughter and was advised to terminate her pregnancy to keep herself alive. But she clearly expressed, “To choose between my life and that of my child, without hesitation I choose that of my child .” Soon after the birth of her fourth daughter, she died. Her choice is a witness of the sacredness of and respect for life. Gianna was an ordinary wife and a doctor, but also a great mother. She gave up her life in exchange for the life of her daughter.

Jesus says, “I am telling you the truth: a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain of wheat unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces many grains.” Jesus refers to what he would face, his crucifixion and death, in order that all can receive the forgiveness of sin and eternal life. At the same time, he teaches all his followers that every man should love others even with the price of his own life. With sacrificial love from oneself, others can obtain true life, and one can also keep one’s true life in God.

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

Yours,
Fr. Matthew Wang