One cannot walk or drive too far these days without seeing many signs promoting the candidacy of residents for various public offices. I must say that I enjoy keeping abreast of current events and political dynamics. When I was very young I used to stand at the subway station and distribute campaign materials. At one point I contemplated a career in the law and indeed as a priest on Staten Island I was appointed to Community Planning Boards. Now I am looking forward to fulfilling for the first time my obligation as a citizen and voting here in Pleasant Valley.

Our Bishops have called upon us to be responsible for the society in which we live for it is part of God’s creation. They have reminded us that not to make choices by refusing to exercise the right to cast a ballot is a moral failure. Additionally though, that while the “bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote”, and that they recognize that “the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual”, they are responsible “to help Catholics to form their consciences in accordance with God’s truth”. Throughout the history of our nation our Episcopal leaders have called upon their co-religionists to be faithful citizens.   Recently the National Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a compendium of Catholic Social Teaching . Its serious themes are given to us so that we might be able to evaluate those who would lead us and their policies as well as displaying those causes we should support to form a more just society and peaceful community. Of paramount importance to us should be the “Life and Dignity of the Human Person.” We are told: “The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attack is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and the dignity of the human person.” Secondly, there is a call for us to live and participate in family and community. “The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy –directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.” It is especially significant that this principle is violated not only substantially but also in the very manner in which opinions are expressed. There is a real lack of civility which does violence to the democratic process. The Bishops also recognize that “the Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities—to one another to our families, and to the larger society.” Today, our media is filled with protestations of rights but too few recognize the significance of taking personal responsibility. It is then stated that “A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the Last Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first”. These sentiments of social gospel echo the words that John Paul II uttered in the old Yankee Stadium in 1979 in which he challenged America to give from her substance. In these difficult days of financial upheaval our Episcopal Conference states: “The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative”. This concern for our brothers and sisters must be constant whether the times are prosperous or recession is being experienced. It cannot, however, be limited to a singular part of existence.” We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.   Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that ‘if you want peace, work for justice’. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.” The conference, finally, reminds us that our moral obligations go well beyond  the care of the human family. “We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.” These are the principles upon which we must act and vote. Bishop McHugh, the late Bishop of Rockville Center, advises us that no candidate will probably be in accord with the church’s total stance, therefore, you and I must use our prudent  judgment as to who is most open to this life-giving agenda and act accordingly. Please inform yourself as to the issues, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and vote for a positive future for our community.

Vivat Jesus

Fr. Brian