These are tense times both in the Church and in America. Proper critique of those in authority is essential in order that they understand how their decisions affect those they are supposed to serve. It is also necessary for accountability; authority figures must be accountable to those whom they serve; they will surely have to account to God one day.
Too often today, critique devolves into personal attacks, wrath, and even hate. This is especially evident in America today, particularly when it comes to the upcoming presidential inauguration. The recent contentious campaigns were the ugliest we’ve seen in a long time. There’s plenty of blame to go around for this: both major parties and their followers, the news media, and social media, just to name a few.
As of noon on January 20th, 2017 a new president is in office. Some have been saying, “He’s not my president,” but this is fantasy. He will be our President whether we like it or not. And God’s word instructs—even commands—us to pray for him and all other leaders, both in the Church and in the government. St. Paul wrote,
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
This is enjoined on us whether or we like the leader or not, whether we agree with him or not. At the time St. Paul wrote this, Nero was the Roman emperor—hardly a pleasant fellow and likely deranged. All the more reason to pray for him!
Some of President Trump’s stated policies align with Catholic teachings and others do not. We are going to have to deal with him as we have with every President: work with him when we can and oppose his policies when they do not conform to our teaching.
But above all, we must pray for him. Given the ugliness of current discourse and the tendency toward personal attack, we as Christians have to distinguish ourselves by speaking respectfully and turning frequently to prayer.
It is easy to disparage our political opponents, but have we prayed for their conversion if necessary? Have we prayed that God will grant them wisdom and infuse special graces upon them?
Perhaps in the current climate this is the voice of one crying in the wilderness. But be very careful, fellow Christians, constructive criticism and vigorous advocacy is good, but it is not appropriate for us to engage in vengeful, gleeful, or destructive discourse.
I do not intend to be sanctimonious. I, too, struggle in the current climate. But let us all remember to pray first, then act, and finally speak.
Perhapse you could extend an invitation to Presidet Trump to come tour of the most important building on Capital Street in Washington D.C.
🙂 Our Choir is singing for the prayer service tomorrow for the nation. He will be there and I’ll ask. 😉
Very wisely said Mgsr Charles.Yes we need to pray for peace in the world and we need to pray that God may grant wisdom to all leaders of the world irrespective of colour, creed, race etc etc.And as Catholic Christians we need to defend our catholic faith.
God bless us all.
I am grateful that our parish, in the Mass during the intentions, (always?) includes elected officials in our prayers, that they be guided by the Holy Spirit and act for the common good.
Very insightful
“A voice in the wilderness, of reason,”……………thank you Sir.
I believe this statement is true for every administration I can think of:
“Some of President stated policies align with Catholic teachings and others do not.”
What we rarely hear is the Church stating which policies align (or don’t) with Catholic teaching. If a policy is ever mentioned it is usually abortion.
I would like to hear what policies this administration has that do/don’t align with Catholic teaching. That declaration should include a comparison of the previous administration; to give a sense if the current administration is a step in the right or wrong direction. This would be refreshing and honestly may give many a sense of clarity.
Left to our own devices we tend to run with our personal feelings first and fill in the Catholic “alignment” where it fits what we want. After all not many are willing to admit they are wrong. The Church is there to keep us on the straight an narrow, something that is only accomplished with straight, direct talk.
As a result of some contentions postings on blogs, recently I began to pray specifically for anyone I had responded to in a comments section of the blogs I read, especially the ones who expressed opinions that disturbed and even upset me. In this prayer I felt an incredibly strong movement in my heart toward them, and so I continued to ask God to bless them, and help them, and convert them. I am convinced God wants prayers of this kind.
Later, as I prayed for the needs of the world, and all political leaders, and our political leaders, I also prayed (asked God to bless and convert) all those who oppose God’s will, no matter what side of the political spectrum they are on. It seemed to hit the right note, and I have continued in this way since.
May God help and bless the United States of America, and may His Kingdom come and be lived here, with liberty and justice for all.