Faith and Action
By Paul J. Thomas
Parish Social Ministry Director
Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas

Do you remember the song that goes, “Looking for love in all the wrong places”?

Sometimes I wonder if that is what we do when we put so much trust in the agenda of any single candidate or political party.

We would like to assume that those who run for political office have the best interest of the people in mind. While some do, often we find out the hard way, perhaps through a breaking news story, that others have put their own gain ahead of the common good.

Trying to come to a voting decision is always challenging, and sometimes discouraging. Realistically, it is impossible to find any candidate who completely embodies the values outlined in Catholic Social Teaching.

“The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” is the new document written by the U.S. bishops (www.faithfulcitizenship.org). They suggest that we become familiar with issues from the point of view of a well-formed conscience. From it, we are then able to discern these issues through the eyes, ears, and heart of a merciful God.

The way we do this is through our relationship with God. This is where we look for love in the right place. The life of Jesus shows us that by seeking God, God finds a home in our hearts. Like the Good Shepherd, a life filled with God has a love for the people in their heart.

Embracing this “Holy Spirit” is what it means to be a New Covenant people. A strengthened relationship with God helps us to gain insight, which we can then add to society; like the seasoning on food we prepare.

Just laws are an important part of building our society on a foundation of charity and justice. Policies and social structures should contribute to the common good of everyone.

As individuals that make up our society, we have a responsibility to engage in our political process. We should hold our elected representatives accountable while at the same time recognize our own role in forming a just society.

If we strive to do this as a New Covenant people, perhaps we will not put the unrealistic expectations upon politics to solve problems that we can work out in our own faith communities. Are we a New Covenant people? Do we believe in our ability to participate in building communities on the principle of God’s unconditional love for all?