We Find these Truths to be Self-evident

St. Robert Bellarmine was not given into the divine mystery of kings and queens.  For Bellarmine all men and women contained the mystery of God within them, by virtue of the sacraments, and shared in equality and holiness.  The covenant of the Hebrew Scriptures sets before us the relationship between God and us, and ourselves and one another.  Jesus of course reiterates this as he declares that all peoples are to love God, and to love each other, with heart mind and soul.  For Church leaders like Bellarmine, men and women enjoyed a certain value, or virtue, by the fact we are God's people.

In these last several weeks we have read extensively from the Book of Kings.  The prophets at this time recognized that men and women had removed themselves from the direction of God's law, and no longer maintained the values espoused by the covenant, especially the care of the poor and widows.  By neglecting justice and peace in their own territory foreign nations are able to invade and lat their country a wasteland.  During this time prophetic voices sought to help the leadership in realizing the importance of upholding  a higher virtuous standard of governing and living.

In modern times the Church, through Rerum Novarum, and Pacum en Terris, have reminded us that men and women are created in the image and likeness of God.  So when we walk in the midst of our brothers and sisters, we are really walking on holy ground.  Just as we are formed in the image and likeness of God. we maintain that image by striving for particular values, and a lifestyle, that respects the dignity and integrity of all life, especially the poor and the anawim.

Governments have a responsibility to look after the common good, and to take care of those unable to care for themselves.  But in reality all of us are responsible to look after the needs and concerns of each other.  Justice and peace should be the aim of all peoples of faith.  Governments enact good and just laws, and we as a faith-filled people live by a certain standard of values by becoming caretakers and stewards of all that we have received.  Even more so, we should be aware of what is occurring in our world, and our community, and respond with love and charity.

Spend some time today thanking our forebears, a veteran, saying the pledge of allegiance, and praying for our Church and government leaders.  May God' spirit rest in our hearts today.