Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, in his opening remarks at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics said: “We are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of an event that unites the world in peace.
“In our Olympic world, there is no ‘global south’ or ‘global north.’ We all respect the same rules and each other. In our Olympic world, we all belong.
“As Olympians, we care for each other. We do not only respect each other; we live in solidarity with each other.
“In a world torn apart by wars and conflicts, it is thanks to this solidarity that we can all come together.
“Let us celebrate this Olympic spirit of living life in peace, as the one and only humankind, united in all our diversity. Together, let us celebrate the best of our shared humanity.”
Though these words are addressed to athletes, many who devote their lives since young children to be part of the Olympics, it can as easily be addressed to those of us who are baptized Catholics. In following the ways of the Lord, we spend our lives trying to balance the teachings of the Church against a world that teaches humans need to focus on amassing wealth, becoming famous and being powerful to bring you the happiness you believe you need, want and deserve.
Unlike the Olympics which broadcasts every two years between summer and winter sports trials bidding for gold, silver and bronze medals, Catholic Christians are on call every day of our life; morning, afternoon and night. We fight to be one with the Lord versus falling short into our sinful nature which could rob us of Heaven as our end journey.
In this year of 2024, we are challenged in the United States to vote for a President of the United States who will serve for four years from January 20, 2025. In the first seven months of this year, the political race has had radical changes and a multitude of accusations made against those running for office.
For those of faith, the Church asks, as it does for all major areas of concern, that the faithful citizenship form consciences that reflect Catholic Social Teaching when voting for candidates and political issues.
In the teaching document entitled: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship issued by the Catholic Bishops of the United States, it tells us in the Introductory Note that we relate to the civil order as citizens of the heavenly Kingdom, whose reign is not yet fully realized on earth but demands our unqualified allegiance. It is as citizens faithful to the Lord Jesus that we contribute most effectively to the civil order.
“While this document is about the civil order, we cannot fail to call the faithful in prayer. The struggles that we face as a nation and as a global community cannot be addressed solely by choosing the “best candidate” for political office.
In addition to forming our consciences, we must fast and pray, asking our loving and gracious God to give us the ability to effectively proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our daily witness to our faith and its teachings.
It is my hope that each one of us will consider gathering all the information we can on both candidates and issues. That along with forming consciences for faithful citizenship, prayer and fasting, we vote on November 5, 2024.
“Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (Rom. 13.1)
No comments:
Post a Comment