Weekly Meditation
As we come to election day we are reminded of our blessings as a nation and our duties and responsibilities as citizens. Voting is surely one of those duties. We Americans are blessed by God with freedom, with great resources and opportunities even as we live in current times that are indeed quite challenging for us all. Words of Pope John Paul II, though spoken to a gathering of young people in St. Louis, January 1999, are very helpful for our reflection on election day and indeed every day.
Do not be taken in by false values and deceptive slogans, especially about your freedom. True freedom is a wonderful gift from God, and it has been a cherished part of your country's history. But when freedom is separated from truth, individuals lose their moral direction and the very fabric of society begins to unravel.
Freedom is not the ability to do anything we want, whenever we want. Rather, freedom is the ability to live responsibly the truth of our relationship with God and with one another. Remember what Jesus said: "you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (Jn 8:32). Let no one mislead you or prevent you from seeing what really matters. Turn to Jesus, listen to him, and discover the true meaning and direction of your lives.
- Pope John Paul II
St. Louis, Missouri, January, 1999
In this Pauline Year may St. Paul's prayer expressed in his Letter to the Phillipians (1:9-10) be effective and operative in our lives:
My prayer is that your love may more and more abound, both in understanding and wealth of experience, so that with a clear conscience and blameless conduct you may learn to value the things that really matter, up to the very day of Christ.
Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus, Catholic Extension