Eastertide
May 8, 2018
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. –Acts 1:21-26
Primary elections are already occurring in some states in the USA, Oklahoma’s are scheduled in June. We, of course, do not cast lots to elect our future governmental leaders. We do have a civic responsibility to vote and I must admit when two candidates seem to be equally qualified for the job, I have mentally cast lots to make the decision. Usually, though I have good reasons for selecting one candidate over another. Luke challenges us to pray about our choices in selecting leaders for the church and I believe that is good advice in preparing for our civic responsibility.
The purpose of all governments from the Judges in Israelite history through King David to today is to provide for the Common Good. We sometimes forget that purpose as self-interest often drives our voting decisions. Jesus does instruct us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves*. I cannot think of a better definition of the Common Good. God wants all God’s children to survive and thrive and that happens best when we seek ways of providing public services that streamline life in the most workable ways possible. Roads and highways are necessary that meet our needs to move about and support our self-sufficiency. Justice systems that are fair, designed to protect all from danger and mistreatment are critical. Public health services prevent contagion and assure as much as possible a healthy environment for all.
Government provides the necessary counterbalance that allows capitalism to work. A business that closes a plant for what it sees as a wise decision often leaves a community destitute. It is the government that picks up the pieces of people’s lives and moves them forward. It is the government that protects greed from ruining lives. When undocumented aliens are worked at below minimum wage with no benefits, not only are their basic needs being ignored but citizens are undercut from jobs that would have met their basic needs. When there are not adequate numbers of citizens available to provide the work necessary for a business to succeed, it is the government that enables through work visas documenting aliens to enter our country and work legally within a system that pays a living wage. Prudent government regulations protect citizens from businesses creating dangerous working conditions to increase the business’s profits.
The government, at least in the United States, is not a vehicle for forcing one’s personal religious beliefs on his or her fellow citizens. Our government was founded on the principle of separation of church and state. I do not want the government to dictate to me what I am to believe, and I do not think anyone else wants that either.
Now is the time to step away from our media-driven electioneering and consider what is essential in government and what is not. What is our Common Good and is the Common Good for all? Asking God’s guidance is essential as we step away from emotionally driven often divisive issues and consider who can best provide for the Common Good.
Prayer: God of all, guide us as we consider who can best provide for the Common Good. Amen.