Dead Man Walking
1. Humans are created in the image and likeness of God
Sister Helen shows love for Matthew, even though she is publicly scorned for helping a murderer. She follows the example of Jesus, who loved and cared for those who were also outcasts of society and showed them love. Jesus loved tax collectors, prostitutes and many other sinners who were shunned by society. Sister Helen did the same and decided to help Matthew when no one else would. As she says when she accepts the challenge of helping him, “I can’t bear the thought that you would die without seeing one loving face. I will be the face of Christ for you.” She was determined to show him love in his darkest hour.
2. Humans are called to happiness and holiness
Matthew Poncelet wrote to sister Helen asking for her help with his case. He ends up on death row, so he requested that sister Helen aid him in reconciling with God before his death. She accepts, to the horror of many people close to her. Eventually, he truly owns up to his actions, fully allowing God to come onto his life, so that he may save himself before his death. This shows that even those who have not been deemed fit for life by society, sinners, are called to have a loving relationship with God.
3. Humans are rational and free
The families of the victims of the crime by Matthew Poncelet and his partner wanted the both of them dead. In their minds, the crimes that the pair had committed were worthy of their death. They rationalized that because the two had taken the lives of their children, they deserved to die as well. They were free to do whatever they wanted, and they chose to act hatefully towards a fellow man. In order to come closer to God, they should have fought for Matthew’s right to life.
Sister Helen shows love for Matthew, even though she is publicly scorned for helping a murderer. She follows the example of Jesus, who loved and cared for those who were also outcasts of society and showed them love. Jesus loved tax collectors, prostitutes and many other sinners who were shunned by society. Sister Helen did the same and decided to help Matthew when no one else would. As she says when she accepts the challenge of helping him, “I can’t bear the thought that you would die without seeing one loving face. I will be the face of Christ for you.” She was determined to show him love in his darkest hour.
2. Humans are called to happiness and holiness
Matthew Poncelet wrote to sister Helen asking for her help with his case. He ends up on death row, so he requested that sister Helen aid him in reconciling with God before his death. She accepts, to the horror of many people close to her. Eventually, he truly owns up to his actions, fully allowing God to come onto his life, so that he may save himself before his death. This shows that even those who have not been deemed fit for life by society, sinners, are called to have a loving relationship with God.
3. Humans are rational and free
The families of the victims of the crime by Matthew Poncelet and his partner wanted the both of them dead. In their minds, the crimes that the pair had committed were worthy of their death. They rationalized that because the two had taken the lives of their children, they deserved to die as well. They were free to do whatever they wanted, and they chose to act hatefully towards a fellow man. In order to come closer to God, they should have fought for Matthew’s right to life.