Holy Cross student: Human dignity comes from God

    The source of human dignity is rooted in “Imago Dei” – from our redemption and union with God.
    It is the right of every human to exist freely, without prejudice or discrimination. The concepts of human rights, justice and the common good were influenced by human dignity, which ultimately comes from God, as we are in his image and likeness.
    It transcends every society and can neither be eliminated nor granted by society, as it is a heavenly gift. We received human dignity through creation and renewed it through the blood of Christ.
    Because God loves us forever, it is with us forever. It can never be lost. Therefore, there is no reason to get it back.
    Human dignity can be seen everywhere. It can be seen in the mercy of people. It can be seen in the Bible. It embodies love and friendship, life and death, for through death we gain new life. Human dignity is expressed on paper, such as in the Declaration of Independence in the excerpt:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
    Human dignity can also be seen in the courts. Judges and jurists try criminals and deliver justice to the prosecution and defense. Dignity can also be seen in the streets, when people give money to charities and to the homeless.
    Movies also show the value of life and human dignity. Movies with a strong message of the value of human life and dignity include “Les Miserables”; “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”; “A Christmas Carol”; “Oliver Twist”; and, especially, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
    ➤ Prayer: O, Father of Dignity and Humanity, help us to realize the gifts you have given to us. Help us to uphold the dignity given to us, to honor your wishes, to obey your commands, to show mercy and to respect our fellow man. Guide us to do what is right and dignified. Lead everyone to human dignity. Amen.
    Byron Calvin Heffner IV is an eighth grader at Holy Cross School in New Orleans. He wrote this prayer reflection as a class assignment.