Faithful Citizenship

by Father Joe

Faithful Citizenship

As we enter into this week celebrating the independence of our great nation, I want to share with you an article about the 2024 version of “Faithful Citizenship,” which I believe is a valuable reflection and guide for us as we strive to navigate our roles as both Catholics and Americans. This introductory article will run in two parts, this week and next, but on faithfulcitizenship.org you can find the full document it describes. I hope these will help us to take our moral and civic responsibilities seriously while not giving into fear – placing our trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us as we pray for these United States of America.

Fr. Joe

Let us look to the example of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ parable summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of our respective nations and of the entire world, builders of a new social bond. This summons is ever new, yet it is grounded in a fundamental law of our being: we are called to direct society to the pursuit of the common good and, with this purpose in mind, to persevere in consolidating its political and social order, its fabric of relations, its human goals. (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, no. 66)

As Catholics and Americans, we are blessed to be able to participate in our nation’s political and public life. Our freedoms respect the dignity of individuals and their consciences and allow us to come together for the common good. Election seasons, therefore, should contain a sense of gratitude and hope. Our love for this country, our patriotism, properly impels us to vote.

But increasingly, it seems, election seasons are a time of anxiety and spiritual trial. Political rhetoric is increasingly angry, seeking to motivate primarily through division and hatred. Fear can be an effective tool for raising money. The most heated arguments online often get the most clicks. Demonizing the other can win votes.

We propose once more the moral framework of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship precisely as pastors, inspired by the Good Samaritan, with the hope of binding these wounds and healing these bitter divisions. This document is not based on personalities or partisanship, the latest news cycle, or what’s trending on social media. Instead, it reflects the perennial role of the Church in public life in proclaiming timeless principles: the infinite worth and dignity of every human life, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity. Not sure what these mean? We invite you to read a copy of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and learn more.

Allowing your conscience to be stretched and formed by these reflections can give you peace! They point to Jesus’ challenge to show mercy to those in need, just as the Good Samaritan. As Pope Francis writes, “Here, all our distinctions, labels and masks fall away: it is the moment of truth. Will we bend down to touch and heal the wounds of others?” (Fratelli Tutti, no. 70). Let this be in our hearts when we talk about politics and make political choices.

To be continued 7/7