As Catholics, we must never be afraid of bringing our faith into the public square – but precisely as Catholics. That is, we witness to the convictions of Church best when we are not simply Catholics who vote, but those who vote as Catholics, in accord with the teaching of Jesus Christ.
Informed voting is entrusted to us in a democracy as a privilege, and in the Church as a sacred responsibility. Look beyond personal advantage, uncritical partisan loyalties, and the endless barrage of political message and commentary. Vote with prayer – ask the Holy Spirit to guide your choices, Ground your selections in prudential judgments on candidates and policies whom you sincerely believe will best shape our social life to build a just, humane, and safe society for all its members.
Our recent clergy conference was presented by Fr. Bill Miscamble, one of Bishop Neary’s Holy Cross confreres, a professor of history at Notre Dame. His Australian accent was entertaining, his scholarship extensive, his personal faith evident.
I particularly liked an image he used, which applies well to the campaign advertising and debates around politics in our times: “like being nibbled to death by a duck.”
I took four things away from his talks in particular: Do not focus only on the presidential election. As you know, Minnesotans will also choose the person they want to represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years, as well as in all eight U.S. House seats. Control of the entire Minnesota Legislature is also at stake this fall, with 134 state House seats on the ballot and a single special election in the Minnesota Senate that will determine which party will lead the deadlocked chamber. In addition, judgeships, local councils and mayors, and other officials are on the ballot. Though of course role, jurisdiction, and impact vary, all of these are important.
Consider candidates’ claims and sweeping visions with realism. Some promises are unlikely, others simply not possible. Look at past performance where applicable, and don’t be naïve about grandiose plans that are primarily aimed at garnering votes, not forming public policy.
Political responsibility does not end with voting. We need to hold our elected officials accountable to do their jobs to build that “just, humane, and safe society” that prioritizes the good of human persons – life, families, education, health care, housing, economic opportunity, environment – the interlocking needs of true human flourishing. Even if the outcome of the election is not what we desired, we still must work for the common good as responsible and respectful citizens.
Most important: we are not saved by politics or government; we are saved by Christ. Of course our public life matters, and we need to pay attention to it. But our story is a transcendent one: the love and mercy of God who sent his Son to die and rise that we might have eternal life. Jesus did not come to build an earthly paradise – “my kingdom is not of this world” – but to redeem us. We are pilgrims through time, on the way to eternity. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass,” Jesus says. May we always be guided by that Word.
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