Countries today pride themselves on having governments ‘of the people’, but alas, they can’t hold a candle to what were once upon a time governments ‘by God’! Who can deny that governments inspired by the True God and upheld in Faith can better realise God’s kingdom on earth?
In the First Reading (Is 22: 19-23), look at how Shebna, the royal steward or prime minister in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah, was ejected from office because of his pride. He was replaced by Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, an influential Hebrew priest. What better example can there be of political recall?
No doubt, many modern constitutions provide for recall, but very often the process is flawed. On the other hand, Isaiah tells us about how God intervened to provide quality governance for His people. It is a pity that we have lost our connection not only with our political leaders but with God Himself, who is undeniably the author of all that we have and enjoy.
In the Gospel (Mt 16: 13-20), we see how and why Peter was chosen to lead the flock. His name was Simon but Jesus called him Kepha (from the Aramaic, ‘rock or stone’) which in the Greek and Latin tradition translates as Petros/Petrus. He was the first disciple to express faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This was revealed to him by the Father in Heaven. Hence, although Peter was humanly imperfect and would thrice deny his Master, Jesus drew him into His inner circle.
That is to say, Jesus knew Peter, and vice-versa, and on that Rock He built His Church. That change of name indicates a mission was given to him, as happened to Abraham and Jacob. Come Pentecost, Peter overcame his faint-heartedness and began to preach boldly. He founded and led the churches of Antioch and Rome. And what a leader and first Pope he was – true to his faith and to his people; he did not gaslight the fledgling community but encouraged them, suffered and died for them, crucified upside down, in Rome, under Emperor Nero.
The uniqueness of our Holy Mother Church is that she is made up of sinners who have nonetheless been called to be followers of Christ! Or else, who would qualify? Such magnanimity is humanly incomprehensible; hence, St Paul, in the Second Reading (Rom 11: 33-36) observes: “Oh, the depths of the richness of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and how inscrutable His ways!”
More importantly, the greatest proof of the Church’s divine nature is the many storms she has withstood down the centuries. The same applies to the supremacy of the Petrine office as intended by Jesus. No human institution of that magnitude – if there is any other – would ever survive; but we have the assurance that “the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” It is a very illuminating and comforting promise; it is also a matter of pride, but can we bask in Her glory and be complacent?
Not at all. No doubt, the Church will not die if we persist in our near-Faustian folly; we will. So, it is up to us to do whatever possible to help our community of faith. With the gathering clouds of suspicion and doubt within the Church (especially with Synodality, which is set to change the order of things), we have to pray for the successors of Peter to be faithful to Scripture and Tradition. And you and I, rather than focus on acquiring wealth, power, influence and success, we ought to see the futility of such aspirations.
Most importantly, Jesus’ forthright question “Who do you say I am?” is a call to get to know Him more closely. Only then we will work wholeheartedly for God’s Kingdom to be realised on earth, acknowledging joyfully: “For from Him, and through Him, and in Him are all things. To Him is glory, for all eternity. Amen.” This will open our minds and hearts to God, will let ourselves be governed by Him and be living signs of the presence of Jesus in the world.
Thanks Oscar for your immensely inspiring and edifying posts. I am richly blessed.
A caveat here. In the book ofJeremiah, a stupid king was sent to lead unfaithful and disrespectful people. Tru*p was indeed anointed, as is Mod*, and others of their kind, who cause their people so much suffering, that they have other alternative but to pray to the one true God
Óscar. Are you advocating a theocratic system of government? In a world where multi-faith populations are becoming the norm (with some exceptions in muslim majority countries), how does one govern? We are seeing demands for Sharia law nowadays by a section of the population even in the Western countries! I have a feeling that you are expressing disappointment with the dismal performance of the so called democracies. And rightly so. But let us not forget, when the Church held also the temporal power, it wasn’t exactly an enlightened rule. I do not know what the answer to a good governance is, only that love of the country, integrity of character, spirit of sacrifice, a civic mind are the bare essentials; it is best to leave with Caesar what is Caesar’s and with God what is God’s.
I look forward and very much enjoy reading your Sunday feature.
A theocracy? Not at all, António. In fact, I didn’t have any macrolevel political concept in mind; my concern was about how one might ensure the common good. No political system is perfect; much depends on how our individual and collective consciences, guided by a moral code, use a system. For example, taking the Decalogue seriously would mean letting ourselves be governed by God, but sadly, it’s taken with a pinch of salt instead.
Dear António, on second thought, the banner picture of the Vatican, a theocracy, was suggestive. So, you have a point, meu amigo!
My Dear Óscar, Your reply of August 29 made it abundantly clear that you were expressing the importance of ethical behaviour in governance as in personal matters. I think no person of goodwill will differ on that point. Nowadays the only people who want theocracy (at least in name and in their’sui generis’ version) are the radical muslims. Instead of creating a Paradise, they got Purgatory or worse in their own countries and now are messing around the western world. And the West is like the deer in the headlight – paralysed by the guilt complex of past misdeeds, sacrificing its very existence on the altar of a fatal and ill conceived allegiance to human rights. Those whom the gods want to destroy, they first make mad.
Um Abraço/António
The laity are unaware about the Synodality which appears to be a Pandora’s box.
You are right James, it looks like a Pandora’s box or worse, like opening a can of worms. The Pope has said Synodality is not the same as a Parliament. What is it then? In anticipation, the German Bishops sent to the Vatican, a couple of months ago. a set of proposals they intend to implement – same sex marriage. etc. The response from the Vatican was – “Not so Fast” and I understand their retort was – Thanks, but No, Thanks. We intend to go ahead. I got this information from John Allen Jr. of Crux, who has a weekly (every Tuesday) YouTube program from Rome. I find him a responsible and quite dependable commentator.
Let us hope and pray this well-intentioned enterprise (Synodality) is guided by The Spirit.