Ars moriendi e ars Deo vivendi. Iubirea creştină ca jertfă de sine în transplantul de organe

Abstract

Organ transplantation is certainly a revolutionary opportunity to save human life with great legal, cultural, sociological and moral resonances. Transplant medicine shows how profound the dialogue between science and theology is, which used to be so controversial in the past. The medical world has thus become an interesting place of interdisciplinary crossroads, a place where the natural, human and religious sciences, with their corresponding personalities, come closer together and dedicate themselves to helping the sick/suffering person. From this point of view, the greatest challenge is precisely the ability to integrate the various skills in order to provide the patient with the best possible care. This is only possible if the human being is considered not as an individual but as a person, as an original and unrepeatable “unicum” who offers himself as self-sacrifice and gift. The model followed by the Church is
that of the Merciful Samaritan, which translates into philanthropy and responsibility. Giving in sacrifice and service does not mean self-denial and cancellation of the person, but, on the contrary, affirmation. Sacrifice gives new content and radiance to the person, transfiguring and ennobling them.