Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth's expanse!
Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples!
Because authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels.
The Book of Wisdom was written within the century before Jesus was born. It's authors enjoyed enough social and political stability that they could research and collect sayings and proverbs into a book. Their collaborators published the book and distributed it to prospective readers, probably students in the school at Jerusalem.
The Roman Empire, despite its shortcomings and excesses, offered stability; and many nations and people didn't mind its rule. Merchants could travel, contractors could build, artisans could create, bankers could lend at interest, schools could teach and research, new ideas could be generated: people could be reasonably content and hopeful in a predictable world.
The Divine Authors of Wisdom had neither the ear of the Emperor nor the attention of kings but they could hope their considered exhortation would be taken seriously by their aristocrat pupils. They could remind the powerful that, "You would have no power were it not given you from above!" as Jesus said to Pontius Pilate.
Regardless of the political system -- democracy, aristocracy, plutocracy, or dictatorship -- authority comes from God. If it fails to govern wisely and justly its authority is revoked.
The American bishops have reminded we-the-people that the economic/political system that fails to care for the needs of the least among us is doomed to failure.
All members of society have a special obligation to the poor and vulnerable. From the Scriptures and church teaching we learn that the justice of a society is tested by the treatment of the poor. The justice that was the sign of God's covenant with Israel was measured by how the poor and unprotected—the widow, the orphan, and the stranger—were treated.
If you have ever been subject to advertising -- which is to say, "everyone" -- you know marketers are not concerned about the least among us. They appeal to those who have access to cash. Our entire economy is built around the demands of consumers; not the needs of the neediest. Upside down: it cares for the haves rather than the have-nots.
As a chaplain in a hospital, I see the cost of our way of life daily. Most patients are here due to their unfortunate decisions. They have responded to a loud, demanding market economy that cares not a whit for their real needs. They are sold a bill of goods that is not good; they're assured their decisions will please them -- until they collapse and are taken to stressed hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes.
That's no surprise, of course. Today's excesses are just the current manifestations of Original Sin. It is always with us, regardless of who is in charge or which ideology of freedom they espouse.
The Gospel teaches us to recognize our guilt, turn away from sin, and atone by offering shelter to the homeless, care to the sick, and mercy to the needy.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.