Christifidelis Laici 42

I'm sorry I didn't get this up yesterday, but the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is my anniversary of priestly ordination (2000) and it was just a bit busy.  But, here you are!

     On we continue now to section 42 of Pope John Paul II’s great exhortation to the lay faithful.  In this section, having recognized the dignity of the human person and its source in God’s own nature; having recognized we are called to communion by that same nature; we now delve into another of the specific consequences of this communion to which we are called: our political life.

     Too often the political sphere is defined by “party politics”, special interests, and the seeming inevitability that stepping into the public square means “getting dirty”, or giving up our most deeply held convictions.

     Our Holy Father reminds us rather that Christian men and women have a duty to enter into the public square precisely as men and women of virtue and love: concerned for the common good and caring, in particular, for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.  We do this when we recognize that the teachings of Christ, passed down to us by our loving Mother, the Church, are not just “personally held convictions” but are rather God’s revelation of who we have been called to be.  Respecting the pluralistic nature of our society we seek to inform it with the Gospel, that is, the good news that saves.  This is particularly important as we find ourselves in the gathering crescendo of our national election cycle.

     As we seriously consider what the Church teaches will we all come to the same conclusion regarding the many serious issues that face us?  Will we march in lock-step to the voting booth in November?  No.  While some issues are “non-negotiable”, there are so many more that are not so black and white.  And so, we are left to study, prayer, and the resulting call of our conscience.  We are not alone in the voting booth however: if we will allow it, God will be there with us.

      1.     Am I conscious of myself acting as a son/daughter of God when I step into the public square?  Am I aware that even this will in some way define me as I stand before God?

      2.     Do I take seriously the duty to form my conscience according to the teachings (especially the social teachings) of the Church?  Am I careful to read our bishop’s reflections on faithful citizenship as I prepare to participate in our political life?

      3.     Do I trust in God or man (myself)?  Do I serve God or mammon?

Challenge:  As you prepare for the November elections and your participation in our nation’s life together, read the U.S. bishop’s statement on Faithful Citizenship and bring it to prayer as you reflect on your choices and participation in our nation’s communal life.