We come to Independence Day 2010 recognizing polarizing tensions in our nation. Many have grown cynical about government, sneering at its foul ups and withdrawing from making it work for the common good.
Wall Street has disengaged from Main Street, satisfied to make money without building up social capital, communities where people own houses, walk safe streets, and help make schools prepare young people of every color to be our future.
Corporations can now spend freely to achieve political ends. How will this generate more jobs and affordable health care?
How do we opt for the poor in our government policies as Catholic social teaching urges us to do? In an economy that depends on us to consume, how do we include more than our individual selves in the happiness we are free to pursue?
The common good requires negotiation, listening to people unlike ourselves and giving people who are poor voice. Many of us are like James and John in last Sunday’s gospel, willing to call down fire from heaven to destroy those with whom we differ.
The Fourth of July calls for fireworks of a different kind - involved citizens. As we gather with crowds to watch rainbow colors spill across the sky, we can commit to participate in our democracy, to talk to our neighbors, agree and disagree, dialog with legislators, build coalitions, and seek the common good together.
Recommended Off-Site Link:
Two Catholic Bishops, Conscience, and the Common Good - Paula Ruddy (The Progressive Catholic Voice, June 14, 2009).
No comments:
Post a Comment