Suicide is actually a more critical problem than many people think. Suicide ranks 8th as a cause of death in the United States. The number of suicides is almost 54% higher than deaths by homicide. Moreover, it seems that the suicide rate is highest among white males, 65 years of age or older who live alone. The Surgeon General has reported that each year approximately 500,000 people require emergency room treatment as a result of attempted suicides.
The Church has consistently taught that Almighty God alone has dominion over life and death. The Catechism of the Catholic Church proclaims: " Everyone is responsible for his life before God Who has given it to him. It is God Who remains the sovereign master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for His honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of." (Paragraph 2280)
In considering the moral implications of suicide, the Church teaches: "Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It, likewise, offends the love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God." (Paragraph 2281)
The history of the Church's treatment of those who have committed suicide is not without horrific stories of harsh judgment and condemnation. Families who needed comfort and solace often were stigmatized by their fellow Catholics. Ignorance of the causes of suicide very much was reflected in the insensitive and hurtful responses of pastors of souls.
Over time and with the advancement of the psychological sciences, the Church has come to recognize that suicide is often the last resort of those who are either physically infirm or psychologically distraught. "Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or great fear of hardship, suffering or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one who commits suicide." (Paragraph 2282)
In offering consolation to those who mourn the loss of a loved one to suicide, the Church's teaching has become more humane and considerate. "We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to the Lord alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance." (Paragraph 2283)
In modern times, the Church has become aware that the moral responsibility for suicide very often is diminished or eliminated by the presence of profound psychological disorders present in the suicidal person. This awareness has caused the Church to remove the language of "sin or condemnation" from the discussion of suicide, especially in the pastoral care of those traumatized by its effects, often stunned family members and friends.
Contemporary pastoral theology encourages the offering of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy and burial in Catholic cemeteries for those who have committed suicide. The Church also mourns with those so overwhelmed and bereaved by the unexpected suddenness of such deaths. Catholic pastoral practice, likewise, commends the souls of suicidal persons to the Mercy of God and asks the Lord to grant them the peace they so much desired in this life but were unable to find.
For all those who have lost loved ones to suicide, I offer my prayers as I ask the Lord to receive their souls and grant them eternal bliss. May Our Heavenly Father console those who mourn with faith and hope in the forgiveness of the Lord Jesus who remains Our Resurrection and Our Life. May Suicide Prevention Week help make all of us more aware of those who are suffering and assist them with our love, our service and our counsel.
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