Letter, on Politics, to Matt, Tommy and Luke...and Other Grandchildren

I was happy to hear you guys were arguing about capitalism vs. socialism at Peter's first communion party Saturday: great issue! I wish I could have heard it. As grandfather, I will not sell you on either system, but on some (2 for today) fundamental Catholic principles about politics. FIRST "Catholic" means "universal" so that the Catholic Church welcomes all that is good, true and beautiful in all things. This includes politics: the socialist's passion to care for the suffering and for justice; the capitalist's respect for freedom/initiative; the pacifist's passion for non-violent resolution of conflict; the anarchist's preference for liberation from oppressive systems and for the local, the small, the personal; even the monarchist's reverence for tradition, continuity, and the nation. So the good news: a Catholic can be capitalist, socialist, anarchist, monarchist, libertarian or a hundred other "ists." The Church cannot endorse any system, policy, party or politician. So beautiful: at the Eucharist we join with all nationalities, races, ethnicities and political views. All are welcome. We celebrate our unity in Christ and we put aside our disagreements about politics. So it is a big mistake for a priest to advocate his political views at mass: it offends and alientates those who think differently, it polarizes and divides. Just this year, an older priest (who is quite charming and pious, but overly political) was removed from offering mass in our parish because he would ALWAYS launch into a political tirade. (He is saying mass now in St. Vincents's Bayonne I hear.) When my Bernadette was getting ready for confirmation I was in charge of the preparation. At the time, no less than five candidates for councilman in our area were fathers of her classmates. I knew for certain, that in my role as catechist I could never mount a sign on my lawn endorsing any of them: it would tarnish my catechesis for the other four. SECOND Secondly, Solidarity...is at the heart of Catholic social doctrine...that we belong to each other...and the suffering of anyone, anywhere requires our response...the homeless, hungry, refugees, and all marginalized. We can differ on how to do this. A big difference is: how much should government do? Liberals favor strong government action; conservatives prefer small government and more personal and local action. When your Uncle Paul lived in Alabama he noticed the people were strongly conservative in their preference for low taxes and small government but Christian in that local Churches offered meals and comfort for the poor. Neither approach is inherently right or wrong: it is a prudential decision, meaning we use our judgment about the best means to the end. So...there's two thoughts for you: First, Catholic ("universal") affirms all that is good but cannot sanctify any policy, party or politician as perfect; second, by Solidarity we belong to each other and care for each; about the best way to do so we can disagree. This material will NOT be on the test; but a thoughtful response, agreeing or questioning or critiquing, will get you 10 points of extra credit! LOL