By Fr. Glenn Jones:
Well, a rather historic day for America on Monday—the inauguration of President Trump for the second time for a discontinuous second term—an event only matched once before with Grover Cleveland in the latter 1800s. Love him or hate him, I think just about everyone realizes that it’s going to be quite the change.
As we well know and experience, the political pendulum swings back and forth—one you win, another you lose. Nonetheless, Christians most of all should pray for wisdom, grace and sincerity of intent upon all who are in office to bring about a greater good, whether at the local, state or national level. Tragically, we hear of political corruption almost every day at almost every level; indeed, because of the power and money involved, politics naturally attracts the selfish and inept as well as those few and cherished selfless and highly competent.
Elections are in a way “throwing the dice” in hopes that the masses have judged best. But as Merlin advises young Arthur in the movie “Excalibur”: “Looking at the cake is like looking at the future. Until you have savored its bitterness and its sweetness … what do you really know? And then, of course, it will be too late.”
As far as what scripture tells us about attitude toward civil leaders, St. Paul writes: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
In our day that passage can make some people choke. “What? Pray for Trump?!” or, now past: “What! Pray for Biden?!” Absolutely. After all, whether you love or loathe their politics and policies, we are called to love their persons, and as mentioned above, to pray that they be given wisdom and grace to lead us in a way which moves the world toward absolute Good and Truth. How can they do that without God’s grace? Christ hated no one, so the Christian through His example and teaching is also called to hate no one, even if we are vehemently against what they may stand for or advocate.
Both Sts. Paul and Peter in their letters are quite specific that prayers must go up for our political leaders, so that, as Paul says: “…we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.” And there is also the obligation to obey legitimate authority and laws; Paul writes to the Romans (and therefore to us): “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed…” (Romans 13:1-2)
Yes, often with politicians we can be perplexed: “Why him?! Why her?!” But our plans and likes are not God’s plans: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9-9) As an analogy, we might remember the common example of a painting or tapestry, that darker colors are used to bring out brighter colors to form the beauty of the whole. History itself is God’s canvas, so to speak. And one thing that all are given is that free will to choose good, or not. To do what is beneficial and right … or not.
Yet Peter exhorts his readers: “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17) …meaning whoever is in authority. “Honor the emperor;” that’s quite a statement considering that Christians were undergoing persecution, and Peter himself would be executed by those same authorities. As Jesus Himself says to Pilate who would even order His crucifixion: “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above…” (John 19:10-11)
Obviously this doesn’t mean that all rulers are good, but God allows both good and bad rulers, just as He allows both health and sickness in our bodies. He deflects evil so that the good that comes forth is even greater, such as martyrs dying for the faith, but in doing so, bring many to faith. We see this most starkly in the crucifixion of Jesus—the greatest of evils, and yet through it God brought about the greatest of Goods: human salvation.
This obedience and respect for authority was confirmed by the early Christian community as well. St. Justin the Martyr wrote to the Roman emperor and to the Roman senate, who were persecuting Christians, by the way: “…to God alone we render worship, but in other things we gladly serve you, acknowledging you as kings and rulers of men, and praying that with your kingly power you be found to possess also sound judgment…[though] every man will suffer punishment in eternal fire according to the merit of his deed, and will render account according to the power he has received from God, as Christ intimated when He said, ‘To whom God has given more, of him shall more be required.’” (“The First Apology”)
So let us have the spiritual maturity to pray always for peace and truth, and for grace upon all of our leaders for wisdom and desire to do the good. For no matter how hardened they may seem in positions which may be against justice, charity or true good, we remember Jesus assurance to the apostles: “… for God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
Editor’s note: Rev. Glenn Jones is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.
