Dear St. Rita Families,

Engaging in politics is a civic duty and right, and I encourage you to do so. However, engaging in politics cannot become your religion, because you already have one of those. In addition, politicians are not gods, or demi-gods, or semi-gods, or anything like that. Politicians are just as human as the rest of us, though they are given a particular responsibility for governance for which they will answer to God.

In the United States of America, politicians also answer to their constituents who can vote them out of office, but this notion must not be taken to mean that politics is fundamentally about power. Oftentimes, sadly, that seems to be the case. Elections become about forcing the other side out, hoping for a landslide victory and a mandate from the people so that the new folks in power can impose their will on those beneath them. Such an attitude creates antagonism and hostility from the outset, and it leads to resentment and deep anger in the long run. 

But, in a world where so much is on the line, things that relate to the moral law and the future of society and the world as we know it, isn’t it the case that we have to fight? Isn’t it the case that we must stop the others from being in control, because they will destroy us? Our Lord tells us that he who lives by the sword dies by the sword (Mt 26:52), indicating that if we place our trust in swords and other means of destruction, it will catch up to us in one way or another. “Put not your trust in princes,” the Psalmist tells us (Ps 146:3). They are the ones who fall back on human power to accomplish their mission. Human life is fragile and short, and so we must look to Another for our salvation.

So then, while God (in Whom we place our trust, as even our money says) is omnipotent – all powerful – and He can (and does) exercise it according to His will, His Power as such is filtered through His Love. The fact that He is all powerful does not and cannot take away from the fact that He is all good as well. We human creatures relying on God, then, must apply this filter of charity to all of our human interactions, especially those relating to politics, where power seems to be the operative motivation.

Love of God and love of neighbor are the two prongs of charity commanded by Our Lord. Therefore, any power that one has – physical, political, or otherwise – can never be exercised in a way that is contrary to the law of God. Such power is only possessed because of the will of God – whether active or permissive – and it can be taken away in an instant. Thus, the Christian always subordinates exercise of power to the will of God, never seeking things that are contrary to His law. Likewise, power must be exercised in service and love of our neighbor, rather than for the sake of the one who has power. Abuse of power in this sense makes slaves or serfs of those who find themselves at the mercy of their leaders.

It is true that applying these filters can present a challenge in particular cases. Therefore, I offer a couple of principles to help guide you. First, always obey the law of the land. The only laws that Christ challenges are the manmade interpretations of the Mosaic Law. Then, when He dies on the Cross under the judgment of that Law, by His death He abrogates it (cf. Rom 7:4), which is analogous to the way that a wife is no longer bound to her husband (and can remarry) if he dies. Christ then places us under the Law of Charity, since He, Charity Himself, is the Bridegroom of the New Covenant. But Christ never disobeys Roman Law. Roman Law said that death was the penalty for rejecting Caesar as god and king, and so Christ willingly submits to death according to Roman Law. Likewise, we accept whatever rulers God permits for us. If we cannot in good conscience follow a law because to do so would be sinful, then we willingly accept the consequences of not following that unjust law.

Second, be firm and unflinching in promoting that which is good, but always strive to present your case through the lens of charity, as distinct from the lens of justice. In reality they are not separate, but the lens of charity enables others to see that you are not exercising your power for the sake of domination and control. You are in fact seeking what is good for others. Society requires give and take, but if it is forced through demands for justice, then freedom will be squashed. Sometimes that is necessary, but much better is the free and generous gift which is the result of communication, understanding, and charity. 

Third, be understanding of the suffering of others. We live in a world that is so indoctrinated against goodness that even basic truths about the human person are being challenged and questioned. For the truth to be heard and welcomed in that context can create a lot of pain and confusion. That is no reason to budge on the truth, but it can create a moment for compassion and understanding. Such understanding can often create a path forward towards the truth. 

Lastly, pray a lot for your interlocutors! And offer sacrifices for them as well. God alone changes hearts, and we are here to bring the Gospel to the world, not a particular brand of politics. 

In Christ,

Fr. Christensen