One of my laments about the Church is that we clergy tend not to treat our parishioners like adults. We worry about hurt feelings; we tiptoe around important issues that face our public life; we opt more for the Gospel of comfort, instead of the Gospel of radical change. Don’t get me wrong. I want you to be happy, but first and foremost I want you to be passionately engaged with matters that affect the well-being and dignity of those for whom those two things are woefully lacking.
This coming Tuesday we will elect the president of the United States. I think we’ll all agree that this is the most important election in our lifetimes, if not in our country’s entire history. You’re all grown-ups, so I wouldn’t presume to tell you how to vote, but if you’re looking for some biblical guidance, then you can’t do much better than the so-called “Beatitudes.” Here is Matthew’s version:
Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
So, consider these questions:
- Which candidate will attend to the poor in spirit, the ones disheartened by the gross injustices, racism, and violence that beset us?
- Which candidate will have empathy for those who grieve for their loved ones who have succumbed to the Covid-19 virus, and take meaningful steps to control it?
- Which candidate best exemplifies “meekness,” a word which in the Greek means compassionate, gentle, empathetic, and courageous?
- Which candidate will be merciful for those warehoused in our prisons with no prospect for “correction,” and no hope for life in the “real” world after incarceration? Which will show mercy to those would-be immigrants caged at our border?
- Which candidate is pure of heart… not perfect… but exhibits character and compassion, and respects the rule of law?
- Which candidate is a peacemaker… does not rattle the sword… but strives for consensus and unity both abroad and at home?
- Which candidate will take a stand for justice and the right in a culture consumed by self-interest and greed?
I don’t think it is an overstatement to say that the future course of our democracy hinges on these questions. The choice seems crystal clear, at least to me: Vote the Beatitudes.
