Brian from Lakewood, CA calls in, sounding very torn. His 80-year-old mom has been going through it: on dialysis, suffering, cirrhosis of the liver… just totally worn out. She’s telling him she’s done, but Brian’s heart is aching and he’s scared. Would letting her stop dialysis be a sin?
Patrick Madrid assures him: “No… it’s not a sin.”
Here’s why: Dialysis is extraordinary care, not ordinary care. That means it’s morally permissible to stop it if it’s burdensome, especially when it’s only prolonging suffering.
At 80 years old, in declining health, your mom has a right to say, “I’m ready to go home to God.”
💬 Patrick gently reminds Brian: This could be a time to trust God and let go even if it’s hard. 🙏
Brian’s love for his mom is beautiful and totally understandable. Wanting to hold on isn’t wrong. But as Patrick said, clinging too tightly can get in the way of letting God do His will.
So, if you’re in a similar boat? Here’s the takeaway:
-It’s okay to say “enough” when treatment becomes more pain than peace.
-It’s not giving up. It’s letting go into God’s mercy.
And hey… hug your mom today, if you can. Or call her. Or say a Hail Mary for her soul. Moms are priceless.
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS