Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr Lectionary: 353

 Lectionary: 353

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?"

"Reason directs those who are truly pious and philosophical to honour and love only what is true, declining to follow traditional opinions, if these be worthless." 

With this appeal to reason in an address to Marcus Aurelius, the most philosophic of all Roman Emperors, Saint Justin began his defense of the Christian faith. Both men are still widely read and admired today, but the emperor ignored Justin's remarks and had him executed. Perhaps he never knew about the martyr's treatise, but this supreme governor's attitude toward Christians was barbaric nonetheless. I would not want to stand in his shoes on Judgment Day. 

Rationality is supposed to be the  cornerstone of our civilization today; we invest enormous amounts of money, time, and resources in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. We have such confidence in STEM that we don't even ask where it might be leading us. If it's possible to build thinking machines, or put people on Mars, or build a better mousetrap, then obviously we should do it. 

Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessors, is reminding the rulers of this earth and their subjects that ethics stands above rationality, and has dominion over it. Some arguments may be persuasive and compelling; they seem to demand a certain course of action; but if they are not ethical, regardless of the circumstances, they should not be acted upon. Means do not justify ends, nor do ends justify means. Both must be considered in the light of human worth and dignity.

I have watched small children enter the vast space of a church. Delighted by the opportunities of a room unlike anything at home, and thrilled by the echoes off stone walls, they sometimes run about the room, screaming and dancing. It's great fun, and who can blame them? But it falls to the parents to silence the child as the church is not the place for gamboling. 

Likewise, it seems, engineers can be carried away by the possibilities of their profession, and weaponsmiths by their capabilities of mass destructions. Artists may explore unimagined sounds, shapes, and forms; and entertainers might feel free to do anything that astonishes and amuses their fans. 

Bored people with money to burn can be found to sponsor our engineers, weaponsmiths, artists, and entertainers as they push the limits of the possible. Jobless workers can be employed to actualize these innovations; they need the money regardless of their consequences. 

Perhaps no one asks, "To what end do you do these things? What is your purpose? Where are you taking us?" They might ask further, "Do you even expect anything? Or do you suppose you'll deal with whatever happens when it happens?" 

Often those who ask bothersome questions -- i.e  as responsible citizens ask of gun owners -- they're told they are ignorant and have no right to ask. 

But responsible authorities must challenge the preoccupations and pleasures of people so fascinated by endless possibilities; and the public must demand that a representative government get satisfactory answers. No one can ask all the questions, no one can know all the answers, but we know that deeds, ideas, and attitudes have consequences; and what is done cannot be undone. 

Reasonable people ask reasonable questions and have a right to a respectful response and rational answers; unlike that which Marcus Aurelius gave to Saint Justin Martyr.