These words are sobering, but important, despite the exceptions I might take here or there based on considerations informed by the limitations of man, even men possessed of good will and a righteous cause (and is there any cause altogether righteous in this age, save the cause of the Lord, to use a somewhat unsatisfactory phrase?).
I admit that I struggle to understand how and to what extent we should and can apply the words of our Lord to political, and especially geopolitical, matters. Of course, there must be the possibility of application, for the Church has long brought divine wisdom to bear on worldly affairs. But I fear doing violence to the counsel of the Word, and establishing false tests for devotion (e.g., "A Christian must support X or Y..."). Evidently, there are occasions when such statements can be fittingly made. Else there would be no social teaching of the Church. Yet I tread with caution, especially around matters of prudence. For those on the right and left create a kind of second creed in this manner.
I suppose, as to the course of human events, I'm a great pessimist in the short term, and a great optimist in the long run. I'm not sure what peace with justice there is among men, here and now.
But, yes, we can at least frame the ideal, while acknowledging the deficiencies of any set of circumstances, and the frailties of man. And after that there is prayer, which, as greater than I remarked, is invariably political (in the true sense of the word).
Anyway, thank you, and please take care and God bless. Pray for me, a sinner.
Thank you Val for gathering
These words are sobering, but important, despite the exceptions I might take here or there based on considerations informed by the limitations of man, even men possessed of good will and a righteous cause (and is there any cause altogether righteous in this age, save the cause of the Lord, to use a somewhat unsatisfactory phrase?).
I admit that I struggle to understand how and to what extent we should and can apply the words of our Lord to political, and especially geopolitical, matters. Of course, there must be the possibility of application, for the Church has long brought divine wisdom to bear on worldly affairs. But I fear doing violence to the counsel of the Word, and establishing false tests for devotion (e.g., "A Christian must support X or Y..."). Evidently, there are occasions when such statements can be fittingly made. Else there would be no social teaching of the Church. Yet I tread with caution, especially around matters of prudence. For those on the right and left create a kind of second creed in this manner.
I suppose, as to the course of human events, I'm a great pessimist in the short term, and a great optimist in the long run. I'm not sure what peace with justice there is among men, here and now.
But, yes, we can at least frame the ideal, while acknowledging the deficiencies of any set of circumstances, and the frailties of man. And after that there is prayer, which, as greater than I remarked, is invariably political (in the true sense of the word).
Anyway, thank you, and please take care and God bless. Pray for me, a sinner.