Word to the Wise
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - THIRTY-SECOND WEDNESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
[Wisdom 6:1-11 and Luke 17:11-19]Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth's expanse. Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels......
Biblical scholars tell us that much of the "wisdom literature" of the Bible has parallels in the surrounding ancient cultures of the time. It should not surprise us that ancient Jewish writers of faith would imitate these literary forms. Ideas from other sources may be used as expressions of faith. The particular passage for today seems to say what Lord Acton would say many centuries later: "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely!" When political power and religious power combine, the temptation can be very strong indeed! It is a true puzzle to me how political leaders profess a belief in God, from whom all authority comes, and then act as if God doesn't exist or will hold them accountable!!! In our own country, the "compartmentalization" of religious belief by political leaders makes religious faith a personal matter. Real worship is at the altar of secular documents such as the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence (both of which, by the way, presume religious faith!). The nasty debate over excluding politicians from the Eucharist who support abortion or other moral practices contrary to Catholic teaching is an example of what I mean. Whatever pastoral response is to be made, there remains the question as to how such leaders can support legislation clearly contrary to the faith and expect to escape accountability to God (let alone the electorate)! Perhaps a copy of the passage from Wisdom should be given to every elected official (secular AND religious) to remind them. AMEN
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