Where We Stand

“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- organizing its powers in such form  . . . as to most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness”.
Declaration of Independence

“Thus while man extends his power in every direction, he does not always succeed in subjecting it to his own welfare. Striving to probe more profoundly into the deeper recesses of his own mind, he frequently appears more unsure of himself. Gradually and more precisely he lays bare the laws of society, only to be paralyzed by uncertainty about the direction to give it.”

 Gaudium et Spes

The mandate from the people and the sole purpose of government is to govern.   Contrary to evidence put before us the action of government is not politics.  It is not about getting elected or staying in power. Nor is it to punish and hold hostage the good of the people. 

A Government that governs effectively does not seek its own ends, but with differing viewpoints, come together in good will for the common good always with special attention paid to the poor and the suffering.  Government “for the people by the people” is not about power but serving and it is a sin that our Government is incapable of doing what is basic to good government. 

We can be a horrible spectacle when politicking and woefully ineffective in governing, but we are capable when we start from the vantage point of love of God and Love of neighbor.  We are capable of doing the right thing and to choose the better good.

Recently the US Bishops wrote to the president & congress.

 "The focus of our nation's budget negotiations should not be about which politicians win or lose, but about whether our budget decisions reflect our values. We will ask our churches to pray as you continue to work together on the budget."

Add to this mess: gun control, freedom of religion, right to life, ongoing war, education, hunger. . . .etc We indeed have a lot of work to do and this work will take some time and perseverance.

This lenten season let us to reflect on that good citizenship & good government is the fruit of love of God and neighbor.