While people have different reasons, such as their wallets, organizations they belong to, or party affiliate, that motivates them to vote the way they do, that is not the way we, as Catholics, should vote.
In the October 2016, West River Catholic, Bishop Robert Gruss tells us, “As Catholics we focus on what protects human life.” He goes on to say “Even though there are many issues in which to consider in any election, Catholics should view them within the context of the hierarchy of truths in Catholic Social teachings which begins with defending innocent human life.”
While no one, and no candidate, is perfect, we should also examine the Party Platforms. Again, I refer you to the West River Catholic where on pages 3-4, a list of key issues, and each party’s platform is laid out.
In addition to those resources, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has also published the document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. In the Introduction, it says “This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.” This document covers a wide range of topics and has been updated to include:
- The ongoing destruction of over one million innocent human lives each year by abortion
- Physician assisted suicide
- The redefinition of marriage—the vital cell of society—by the courts, political bodies, and increasingly by American culture itself
- The excessive consumption of material goods and the destruction of natural resources, which harm both the environment and the poor
- The deadly attacks on fellow Christians and religious minorities throughout the world
- The narrowing redefinition of religious freedom, which threatens both individual conscience and the freedom of the Church to serve
- Economic policies that fail to prioritize the poor, at home or abroad;
- A broken immigration system and a worldwide refugee crisis
- Wars, terror, and violence that threaten every aspect of human life and dignity
In this weekend’s first reading from 2 Maccabees, we hear part of chapter 7 where seven brothers and their mother are arrested, tortured, and killed. They were willing to give up their lives to obey God’s law rather than humans’ laws. This family knew and understood God’s teachings. Do we understand what God wants us to do? Jesus established the Church and sent the Holy Spirit to guide it, so the Church can help us. We have a duty and obligation to listen to and learn what the Church, as God’s representative here on earth, is trying to teach us. And once we understand the Church’s teaching, use it to help form our consciences, and vote accordingly.
Following God’s law can at times be very difficult for us to do, especially when it contradicts humans’ law.
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