Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.
While few of us would ever think of ourselves as slaves, and even less, slaves to fear of death, all we have to do is look around. How much money do we spend on things with no actual health benefit that will only make us "look younger."
On a larger level, after September 11, how much did fear drive our decision making? When history looks back on the last decade how much money will they decide was wasted in the name of security? Self-defense is right and proper but the decision making should never be made out of fear.
The teaching of our faith is a careful balance. On the one hand, all human life is sacred, and should be protected. On the other, we should not fear death. Can we live this way? Yes, but only with the grace of God.
