Contemplating today’s culture through the eyes of St. Francis.
Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Mark10:51 (NRSV)
Each of us can pray, “Dear God, let me see again.” Yet, perhaps, a more compelling petition might be, “Let America see again.” With the elections upon us, insight into issues is as rare as light entering the eye of a blind man, from taxes, tariffs, and immigration to Social Security, Medicare, and women’s reproductive rights. We may believe that we see issues in their fullness, but are thrown into doubt and confusion when confronted with the views of others who assess situations differently. Identifying in terms of being a Democratic, Republican, or an Independent only adds confusion to our ability to see clearly.
Looking at problems with only our rational mind causes us to end up in a blind alley. Scientific explanations, probabilities, and theoretical outcomes to election issues do not address the core of what it means to be a Christian. A Christian cannot think their way into solving human problems. God has made human beings and all of creation to live according to a different set of rules or laws. Human beings can only thrive by honoring a true working relationship with God and others. That is the emphasis of the entire Old and New Testaments. When God is cut out of the conversation around election issues, flawed thinking is the result. Flawed thinking is characteristic of our blindness.
Merely articulating that you or I are “Christian” does not make us, or our views, inherently Christian. Being a Christian is not about a political stance. Stating that we are either “Christian and Republican,” or “Christian and Democrat,” or “Christian and Independent” makes no sense. Christ is about intervening in the world and fostering its restoration – a restoration far beyond our comprehension and not limited by political rhetoric. Being a Christian is radical change, and it impacts our ability to see.
One of the more confusing issues this year is the rise of “Christian Nationalism.” This is a movement that embraces neither Christianity nor nationalism. “Christian nationalism is an ideology that is based around the idea that this is a Christian nation, that this was founded as a Christian nation, and, therefore, it should be a Christian nation today and should be so in the future. According to survey data, Christian nationalists agree with statements like the federal government should declare the United States of America a Christian nation. Our laws should be based on Christian values. Being a Christian is important if you want to be a real American.”1
Christian nationalism is contrary to the gospel of Christ. It is embedded in an emotional appeal that wants to give a boost to our ego (i.e., self-image and importance). Christ always counters this with the command to love God first and our neighbor as ourself. (Matthew 22:37-39) We love ourself so that we are ready to care for our neighbor.
Elections bring forth opportunities for believers to really act as followers of Christ. We put aside party politics, and embrace the impact of practicing what Christ taught. One of the best directions for the voter is to read and pray, embracing “The Beatitudes” from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10
The work of the Christian is to implement these commands. In so doing, we begin to clearly see again or maybe for the first time. When voting, give credence to the words of Jesus, and cast a vote in a manner that works to foster the kingdom of God, and not a political party.
Prayers and Blessings,
Fr. John
