In this polarized age, my barber and I differ about many political issues. A hunter and devout Christian, he is pro-Trump and pro-gun. I am neither. But we agree that we should not be "like infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery..." We know they're out to get our votes and they'll say whatever we want to hear them say.
Several recent essays in Catholic magazines have reminded me that the Church does not endorse any party or candidate. For one thing, such endorsements risk our tax-free status in the United States. More importantly, no party and few candidates consistently embrace the Church's teachings on moral issues. To survive as representatives of the electorate in a democratic system they must pay close attention to what the people want. A firmly committed and devout Catholic politician who always hews to Catholic teaching will never see public office. If all Catholic politicians were held to that standard, our voice would not be heard in federal or state houses.
Within our homes and churches, however, we should teach Catholic doctrine and support one another in its practice. We should be acutely aware of "every wind of teaching arising from human trickery."
I often hear Veterans in the VA hospital, idled by sickness, disability and age, talk about History Channel religion. The entertainment media are fascinated by Catholic images and traditions but know next to nothing of our Gospel. I urge the patients to read Catholic magazines, pray daily, and attend the weekly Mass. Without those practices, they are lost at sea.
Saint Paul describes a powerful vision of what it means to be Catholic.
...living the truth in love,we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ,from whom the whole Body,joined and held together by every supporting ligament,with the proper functioning of each part,brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.
Our apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers serve like supporting ligaments in the human body, to create the "proper functioning of each part." They bring about growth as we are built up in love.
Attaining such a standard, Catholics will not universally vote for the same candidates or support the same party. But candidates and parties will know where we stand. They'll appreciate our support and respect our integrity.
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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.