Life is Beautiful!

by Bishop Peter F. Christensen

Have you ever been so captivated while looking at something in nature that it instantly takes your breath away?

Perhaps a colorful sunset, or a majestic snow-capped mountain, or a blooming rose in a vase of flowers – those moments which make you feel transported into awe and wonder as you take delight in the beauty of what’s being observed.

Recently, I was captivated in such a way by a photo, sent to me by dear friends. It was a recent photo taken of their granddaughter. With the permission of the child’s parents, I chose this photo to be used for the cover of our current issue of the Idaho Catholic Register. Take a good look!

Chances are you too can see just why I was so drawn to this photo when I first saw it. All I could think then, as I do now, are the words:

Life is Beautiful!

What a gift of wonder and beauty made so readily available when children make their way into our world. From those newly born and those within the early years of life, children so often give us a deep sense of goodness to ponder – which truly is a gift from God.

So unencumbered in their gaze, so pure and humble in their appearance, so transparently close to God in their existence, simply because they are His creation.

Perhaps increasingly heightened today, this amazingly beautiful gift of children is seen, due to the fact it stands in direct contrast by those who seek to destroy the very lives of our most vulnerable – our unborn children.

My brothers and sisters, we are currently facing a Proposition on the November 3rd ballot which is so extreme that it would, by redefining viability, allow abortion for any reason well into the 8th month of pregnancy. Proposition 1 even does away with parental rights by allowing minors to get an abortion without parental consent.

At the same time, it would also do away with the physician-only requirement to perform or prescribe an abortion and replace it with the term “healthcare provider.” And if that were not enough, Proposition 1 seeks to shield those who perform abortions by exempting them from any kind of malpractice lawsuits when things go wrong.

We hear from those in favor of Proposition 1 saying they just want to help women who have pregnancy complications. The truth is, as the Idaho State Supreme Court has clearly stated, our current laws already protect women who have pregnancy complications.

We also hear from those in favor of Proposition 1 that doctors are fleeing Idaho and that our State can’t recruit doctors because of our pro-life laws. Again, this is not true.

The Idaho Medical Board shows that the number of licensed OBGYNs has increased in Idaho by 20% since 2022, the year our current pro-life laws went into effect.

Simply put, if Proposition 1 passes, Idaho will be living with a new law that supersedes those laws which permitted abortions during the time of Roe vs. Wade. Hidden within a “yes” vote are dark realities – too dark for even the proponents of the Proposition to mention publicly in their campaign.

Therefore, it is imperative that we all work together so that this does not pass into law. We are just a little more than a month away before we have to stand up, be strong and vote “NO” on Proposition 1.

Life, the life of a child, and each of our lives depends on us making the right choice for God’s gift, and allowing for the beauty of our children to continue to be seen, living in our amazing world around us. Will you join me in praying from your heart the following prayer:

Life is Beautiful!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of life. All is created, known, and cherished by You. Gazing upon the face of a child, I am reminded of Your boundless gift of love.

May Your love open my eyes to recognize the dignity of every person, from the first moment of conception until natural death.

Lord, help me to fulfill my responsibility as a citizen of Idaho. Guide my will and my conscience to seek wisdom, justice, and the common good – reflecting my profound respect for the sacredness of all human life.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, who knew so well that life is beautiful, may Jesus, her Son, hear my prayer.

Amen

Prayer, as you well-know, promotes a powerful response from God for good. As Jesus said to His disciples: “Amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:19-20).

Tell others, and this November 3rd, go out and vote “NO.”

Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen

Bishop of Boise

60,000 prayer cards with the above beautiful image of a child and prayer will be distributed to all of our Parishes and Catholic Institutions this coming weekend. May we offer the prayer often during this Pro-Life Month of October, doing so to overcome Proposition 1 on Tuesday, November 3rd -- as we together go to vote “NO.”