We seem to be a country of contradictions. We advocate for peace, yet weaponry is one of our lucrative exports. We decry nations that undermine human rights, even as many Americans disregard the rights of the unborn.
We pledge our allegiance to the flag, professing to be “one nation under God” amid a cacophony of voices that divide and denounce any mention of God or religion in the public square.
The motto “In God we trust” is printed on our currency, yet the economy is often the first priority mentioned when people are polled about their greatest concern. Political pundits and ideologues claim to speak the truth, even as fact checks quickly reveal falsehoods.
With national elections only months away, divisive rhetoric and disparaging remarks about candidates are likely to escalate. When it comes to politics, the voices of our better angels seem to fall on deaf ears.
The gravitational pull of our fallen nature toward all that is emotionally rewarding and instantly gratifying is averse to all that is thoughtfully and prayerfully uplifting, which makes prayer and fervent resolve all the more important.
As humans, we are flawed, and to assume otherwise is not only factually incorrect and evidence of a lack of humility, but proof of our collective ignorance. Until we realize that God alone is Truth, we will remain victims of circumstance and deceit.
A few weeks ago, before sitting down to write this column, I came across a quote by medieval priest and writer, Thomas à Kempis, whose observation about human tendencies may explain the reason Christians often fail to be effective evangelizers. The 15th century author of “The Imitation of Christ” wrote:
“Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers. Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for Him. Many will follow Him to the breaking of the bread, but few will drink the bitter cup of His Passion. Many revere His miracles, but few follow the shame of His cross. Many love Jesus when all goes well with them, and praise Him when He does them a favor; but if Jesus conceals Himself and leaves them for a little while, they fall to complaining or become depressed.”
The words of the renowned author are worthy of reflection. As soon as things get tough, the human tendency is to take the easy road, rationalizing, excusing, and defending personal positions.
Banishing God from the public square creates a vacuum that can easily be filled with all that is not of God. On the political front, the next few months will be rocky and unsettling. Outcomes are uncertain, but how we respond says a lot about who we are.
As people of faith, we can take comfort in the words of Thomas à Kempis, who also noted, “They who love Jesus purely for Himself and not for their own sake bless Him in all trouble and anguish… Oh how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, when not mixed with self-interest or self-love!”
The question remains: can we continue to praise and thank God, trusting that he can bring good from every situation, or will we turn our backs on the cross? As people of the Resurrection, this should be no problem, since sin and death are never the last word when it comes to matters of faith.
We are not helpless victims of circumstance. Respectful dialogue and refraining from disparaging remarks is something we can all do. We can pray for those in office to be transformed and imbued with divine wisdom and the courage to fulfill their duties in a godly manner, regardless of the faith they profess or deny.
Jesus could have chosen to come into the world when Israel was at the height of its glory. Instead, he came when it was under Roman occupation. Rather than attack the Romans, he told his followers, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Mk 12:17).
When we give to God all that is God’s, there is no reason to fear because one thing is certain: God’s peace will one day reign on earth as it does in heaven, and it begins with each one of us.
Barbara Hughes is an award-winning author, retreat facilitator and spiritual guide. She lives in Virginia Beach and can be reached at [email protected].