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| Much Given, Much Required |
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12:48 But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.
We often hear the words, "to whom much is given, much will be required". We hear them in reference to ministers and those involved as ministry leaders like boards of directors, music ministers and Sunday school teachers. I wonder, how often do we think of these words in reference to government officials whether elected, appointed, or for monarchs - inherited.
Jesus says in the Gospel that no one in authority is put there unless God deems it so. St. Paul will say that Christians are to be obedient to all civil authority and to pray for those leaders that they might leave us and our Christian lives in peace.
Historically we know that Christianity was outlawed by the Greco-Roman Empire for almost 300 years. Christians were looked upon as Enemies of the State until 313 AD when the emperors Constantine and Licinius met at Milan and agreed to recognize the legal personality of the Church and to tolerate all religions equally; this meeting marked the end of persecuting Christians. Conversely, Christians were prohibited by Church law from all participation in civil government including work with civil leaders, magistrates, and forbade participation in military and police forces. Christians could neither support nor be supported by the State. By Church law, to be involved in any way with these resulted in excommunication from the Church - it's Sacraments, life, and community.
Eventually those practices changed although some would argue that this marriage of Church and State created odd bedfellows. Regardless, Christians today have access to the political arena and have a voice. And on that note, I ask: So what do we do with this voice? And, what about the upcoming U.S. elections?
All too often I hear people say things like: "Oh, I don't vote, it doesn't matter anyway"; or, "My vote doesn't count"; or, "They are all bad, I just have to choose between the lesser of two evils"; and so on. Sometimes I know I feel that way. I wonder if my vote really means anything. I have at times chosen to vote "for" a candidate not because I was "against" the other but more in protest against a certain platform or position. I suppose a protest vote does have value, a place, and a purpose, but I digress.
Recently the US conference of bishops issued its own guide for Catholics who will vote. They outlined five non-negotiiable issues by which to judge a candidates worth for political office. Those items are all "anti-" stances: anti-abortion, anti-euthanasia, anti-stem cell research, anti-human cloning, anti-gay marriage. And while it's all right to be against something I find that these criteria do not adequately address the broad scope of elections and the complex issues of the American people.
I think that the US bishops took a safe road in their guideline. However, the safe road is not the prophetic road. If we are going to be people who vote, not in reaction to but in support of, then we need to consider a different set of values.
First, I suggest that Christian voters avoid the hype, popular opinion, and fan based devotion to a candidate. Instead of looking at that we need to look at the person's sincerity to be a civic leader. Whoever the candidate is, he or she should not be playing to the crowds or the cameras but displaying a loyalty to the Constitution and his or her beliefs.
Second, I suggest that Christian voters abstain from voting "against" something but instead should look for qualities within the candidate that they support. Equally, I think it is important to have a consistent life ethic that extends beyond being pro-life, anti-euthanasia and anti-stem cell research. We are, by virtue of the Gospel, compelled to respect life in all its forms and in all its stages. If we are going to be anti-something, it would also include being against unjust war, nuclear weaponry, military domination, genocide, and the death penalty. I don't believe a Christian can be pro-life and pro-war at the same time.
Third, when it comes to economics we Christians have a rather odd view by most standards. Remember Acts 3:44-47? When it comes to our economy everyone seems to be thinking only about their own personal, private investments. Christians on the other hand think about the value and well-being of others. I suppose that here I would include universal health care, education, finding tools to free our people from hunger and poverty, and to protect the anawim, the very young and very old, from harm. By definition, the anawim are any who suffer injustice due to prejudice and bigotry because of age, nationality, gender, belief, and sexuality. If we did these things well as a Nation we would probably experience a reduction in crime and prison building - not because of increased police forces but because people would be living happy, healthy, and productive lives. This is what we learn from Matthew 25:31-46.
Fourth, ultimately voting is a right and a privilege. I take that very seriously because it has been given to me and I will be required to give God an account of my vote. In order for me to do this well I need to exercise my conscience. I have to look at each candidate separately, seek to understand that candidate's motive and purpose, and then commend this matter to prayer. If I have taken the time to think and pray about this, then on election day I can enter the booth and come what may, know that I did my best.
Voting, voicing myself, is not about popularity or being with the "winner". It is about me, doing my personal best to produce for my City, County, State, Nation, and World those leaders that God deems are right for this time. Voting is, if you will, me discerning God's Will and then letting His Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Now that's prophetic. How awesome is that?
I pray that I, and you, become strong, loving and wise as we discern God's Will for us this November.
AMDG
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| To add a comment to "Much Given, Much Required" |
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| October 04, 2008 |
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| So we are back to your matter of conscience. I just don't know how anyone can justify going against the obvious. If "The Church" sets forth these principles shouldn't they be followed? |
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