In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the Israelites. He pronounces words that have lasted through every generation when he said, “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live. (Dt 30:19).

In our own time and place, the choice for life is so often presented as something conditional: “if it is convenient,” “if it fits our standards,” “if I personally choose to do so.” Of course with every “if” there is an implied “if not” that would be followed by a choice other than in favor of life. But Moses’ words tell us that this choice for life, with all of the challenges and difficulties of circumstances that can accompany it, is at the heart of the identity of the People of God. It is at the heart of our identity as well.

I was reminded of these words at two recent events. Two weeks ago, I attended the fundraising dinner for the Hope for Haitians project that has been organized and carried out for years in the Diocese of Rockford. That program raises money to build modest facilities for the Haitian poor who otherwise would have no hope for basics like education and clean water.

Those involved could avert their eyes or simply send a check to help build the life. And why not? The corruption that plagues Haiti, our own national history with that island and yes, sadly, even the color of many of the Haitians could make it convenient for some to look away. But I was so impressed by how the faithful of our diocese not only raise funds, but go personally to Haiti to give their time, expertise and energy to share Christ’s love with them. Choose life!

Several days before, I had attended a funeral of a child who had lived but 12 days. She had been born after being diagnosed in the womb with a significant genetic disorder. The parents, of course, were aware of the diagnosis. But their response, fully guided by our Gospel and Catholic teaching about love and respect for every human life, was to receive the child with love for the short time that she would live.

She was baptized immediately after birth because her situation was grave. There was disfigurement. But at the funeral pictures were on display of the parents, the siblings, relatives and friends holding and rocking that child of God. She was taken home and round the clock she was given love and attention.

Of course we cannot know what was in the mind of that child for those dozen days. However, the witness of love given by those parents, even through their mix of sorrow and joy at the funeral, was a reminder of the love that Christ called each of us to give to our brothers and sisters. Choose life indeed!

Sadly, the question of choosing life, at its beginning, when in need thereafter, and at the end when God calls us home is a constant struggle in our society. As an election cycle begins to pick up speed, questions of life will present themselves over the next few months.

In particular, we have been disgraced as a people and a society since 1973 because our law fails to protect the most defenseless of lives by making abortion widely available and, sadly, acceptable. Time and again, we are presented with arguments to quiet our consciences, telling us why it is okay not to choose life.

Moses, our diocesan faithful working in Haiti and those parents got it exactly right. We always choose life because it is always a gift, made in God’s image and likeness.