Almost

     In a post yesterday on the Archdiocese of Washington's blog, Msgr. Charles Pope entitles his entry "To What Political Party Does the Catholic Church Belong?"  He had some thoughts that I would like to share with you, and what those thoughts led me to reflect upon.

     He says that ultimately we are called to be "simply Catholic" first and foremost.  NOTHING stands as more important than our Faith, for ultimately it is our Faith by which we will be held accountable.  True Catholicism will be vigorously pro-life and clear on sexual and life issues, working to strengthen family and marriage, advocating for the poor and immigrants, being aware of all social issues facing us by knowing the why and wherefore of our social teachings, fully embracing subsidiarity, solidarity and justice, standing against the violence that permeates our culture, being merciful and forgiving, and being willing to work with those who advocate Catholic principles.  It is a tricky balancing act.  We live in a diverse culture, in a nation that thinks that it is perfect, under a representative form of government, and in changing and challenging times. 

     Like Solomon in today's reading, we are tempted to make alliances, to garner or lament our political strengths and weaknesses, to compromise and maybe even give in to prevailing thought or feeling, to be less than what we are called to be by ignoring or forgetting the power and richness of the Covenant that the Lord has made with us.  When that happens we are unsure of our footing, uncertain of our standing as citizens, and timid in standing up for what we believe is a teaching that, while human, flows from the divine.

     All of the turmoil regarding the recent HHS mandate regarding health care coverage has left me tired and somewhat resigned to whatever happens in the politics of things.  I was almost at that point ... listening to too many and not listening to my heart and the solid foundation upon which the Body of Christ is established.  Like Solomon, I was almost ready to accept what is in order to fit in.  The right to follow our conscience is a God given right, even before being given by our Constitution.  The responsibility to do what is right rests in following the Law of God first, then in the law of the state (which, if truly wise and just, would be rooted in the higher law).  I almost forgot ... I almost gave in.  Thanks, Solomon, for the wrong choices that lost you the favor of God that was yours.  They reminded me of how I need be vigilant.  For a few brief seconds I was tempted to take the easier way out, and forgot my Covenant with the Lord.