Hypocritical Virtue Signaling…or ????

I have recently come to notice how often Jesus condemns individual person or communities as hyprocrites. It is interesting because within his public ministry we see that he is profoundly merciful to people who might be living less then exemplar moral lives. He seems to be more condemnatory to those who seem to be selective in their application of moral principles. This includes people who condemn certain behaviors, conduct, or even values within a certain context while showing support for these very same behaviors, conduct, or values in other contexts. He is able to see how profoundly hypocritical it is to condemn someone while not looking to see if you are ‘without sin’ (John8:1-11) He also reminds people to concern themselves less about the splinter in their neighbor’s eye while not seeing the plank in one’s own eye (Matthew 7:3-5). I have recently found myself coming to a boil (and more) in how Christians, and here I will be even more direct in calling out my fellow Catholics, seem to have reduced our Catholic Identity to moral issues which have absolutely nothing to do with the teachings of the Master. I realize as I say this, I am engaging in somewhat of a ‘sloppy’ intellectual position which lacks nuance, however I will show you why I don’t care! For me to explain my current mood (both intellectual, emotional and even spiritual) I have to go back to some earlier experiences.

I have been teaching Catholic morality and ethics in a formal institutional setting since about the mid-90s. At the time I was teaching at Moreau High School (now Moreau Catholic High School). The curriculum in the religion department was what was typical of many schools at this time (mid 90s) for a Catholic School. We obviously had some wonderful\, creative and committed teachers at the school. We also had a wonderful administration and staff as well. One of the standard classes offered was a Catholic morality or introduction to ethics class. What was going on in the larger social arena was the rise of many right-wing cultural forces. An obvious embodiment of this reality was found in the newfound popularity and power of Rush Limbagh. He was a powerful force in shaping cultural, political discourse. While there were others that peddled their wares in a similar vein, he was the architect of the new wave of right wing talk show format. Coming off a tumultuous 80s period that saw the rise of things like the AIDS epidemic and the raise of a bizarre type of Christian fundamentalism this included a powerful resurgence of people and voices like James Dobson and Jerry Falwell. Part of this cultural ‘stew’ was the rise of deep concern for how ‘the left’ was forcing us to all be politically correct. This is also a precursor to what is now being called ‘cancel culture’. or woke culture. The imposition of certain realities, like living with other sentient (and non-sentient) life forms. While it may appear that I am being glib or sarcastic about the recent wave of ‘anti-woke’ rhetoric, I remind the students that when I am in deep sleep I truly don’t hear or see anything of what is found in my immediate (or distant environment). If there is a dog in the house, I don’t see or hear the creature. I don’t smell brewing coffee until after I ‘wake up’ I actually don’t really see where the sun (or moon) is on its daily trajectory. I still find it staggering that we, in the United States, are against people being ‘woke’ as we live in a world that is rapidly collapsing around us. Particularly since we, as a country, are one of the major factors in causing the collapse. I will be honest, I definitely have used sleep to be in denial of realities that were painful in my life, but even at my worse, I was able to recognize it as a dysfunctional as hell pattern for dealing with my problems…. but I digress? LOL

One of the most often heard comments in my class, during the period mentioned above (1990s-2000s) particularly when we covered certain moral topics and ethical issues, specifically; abortion and homosexuality was ‘Mr. Sanchez, I don’t understand why it’s so important to talk about this in a Catholic school when JESUS NEVER TALKED ABOUT THIS! (capital letters are mine!! let me say it again…CAPITAL LETTERS ARE MINE!). The ‘standard’ answer that I would give was something like this “Yes, but there are a lot of things that Jesus didn’t talk about, but we as People of Faith, and followers of Jesus Christ are called to respond to and have a position on, so, while, you are correct, he never, ever talks about these issues, we should have an opinion (well informed…from within a properly formed conscience) about all issues of importance in our contemporary world.” For many years this response was sufficient to me (not always to them) every year the question was posed anew. Being a fairly new teacher I did get slightly annoyed at the question. However, I was also a thoughtful teacher and realized that the question was germane to the topics that we were covering and also, obviously, of interest to the world of the students.

As the years progressed, I was aware at the incredible accommodations that Catholic ethics (and Catholic ethicist) was (and were) making, not only to certain voices, but also to the importance of certain issues, in the name of a bizarre and warped sense of Catholic Identity. I realized that when virtually anyone spoke of whether someone (person) or some institution (hospital, university, high school even church!) was ‘really’ Catholic it had to do with a very specific articulation of a position on these (and some slightly adjacent) issues. It was staggering to me that such a vibrant and robust intellectual tradition as the moral and ethical insights of the Catholic Church was reduced to such an imbecilic and parochial level. It was imbecilic in the way it seemed to lose all capacity for nuance, which is a hallmark of all moral thinking within the Catholic Church. It was parochial (pardon the pun!) precisely in it reducing the rich, multi-layered, and dynamic moral and ethical living tradition into something which reflected the thinking of an obdurate adolescent, caught in the throes of their own narcissistic self-centeredness. (Remember I have worked with this population for decades; I know of what I speak! LOL)

It is now 2026. I find myself being even more frustrated, appalled, and outraged at what has occurred not only in our Catholic church but in the social reality that Catholics have created, particularly in the United States. It is in this context that I write this entry. I have come to see not only the errors of my way personally, but even more insidious the way in which the ruling class has once again weaponized the Christian movement in general, and the Catholic church in particularly to do the bidding of the evil ones in power. I am deeply aware that I am using very freighted language. I do believe it is warranted given the reality we are living in. You can decide for yourself if it is an adequate way of understanding what has occurred and is occurring. I was deeply plagued by doubts and misgivings about the way I would answer this question which is still being asked by my students. I feel a need to state here that the past 2 years I have actually met former students of mine…during Back to School Night. This means that some of my former students are now parents of children that I am currently teaching in my classes! This phenomenon may have occurred earlier, but I have never had this experience until recently. It is very humbling. But it also causes me to rethink what are the ‘answers’ we are giving the students? The more I assessed the situation I realized that the question was not only inadequate but in a very foundational way inaccurate.

You see, Jesus didn’t say anything about abortion, homosexuality, or transgender identity, rights etc. But what was missing in my response and frankly is missing in all theological/ethical discussion as far as I can tell is an almost complete abandonment of WHAT HE DID SAY!!! What has happened is that we have for all intents and purposes completely abandoned all teachings of the Master. This is particularly important given that the Catholic Catechism states that Christ “established and ever sustains here on earth his holy Church, the community of faith, hope, and charity, as a visible organization through which he communicates truth and grace to all men” (LG 8 §1) In somewhat simplistic terms the Church is to be a visible sign of Jesus Christ on earth. The crucial element about this is that while on earth this Jesus of Nazereth spoke many words and offered many ACTUAL TEACHINGS! While we can (and should) hold with some humility the things that he did not address (abortion, labor unions, nuclear war, gender identity, rights of unborn babies etc.) we can NEVER NEGATE THE TEACHING HE DID OFFER US! I am not saying don’t hold a position on these issues, which he did not speak about. I am asserting that these positions be shaped by what he did speak about. His ACTUAL TEACHINGS. Even using this method, I do think there can be a wide spectrum of positions on contemporary issues that are Christian (Christ-Like).

As I get closer to the end of this entry, I want to remind some things that Jesus did TEACH, SAY AND LIVED. I also want to remind people of how I began this entry. I believe that I have a strong position in calling a helluva lot of my Catholic Sisters and Brothers hypocrites. Yes, it is done precisely in the spirit of the Master. Lest people accuse me of being a hypocrite myself I will speak about an example from my own life in how I have tried to avoid this trajectory. I am also aware that we are a living tradition and that we are all ‘along the way’. I am not saying anyone (including me!) is forever stuck in their own position, I have changed in many ways myself (frequently thanks to the wonderful teachings of my students!) In this entry I am challenging all of us to look at our ethical heritage in a fresh manner.

I have stated before that Jesus did say certain things. I want to go over some of these: “Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”. (Matthew 26: 52) I know there is a danger in selecting sections out of context, I am also aware we can argue about the accuracy of the translation of the text. However, no matter how one parses out this text you are hard pressed to find a way to get a Catholic to support the LARGEST MILITARY BUDGET IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD! Or to bullshit yourself into thinking that the possessor of this military can conduct a Just War that our Master would approve!

I am reminded about the wonderful line of Jesus when he is excoriating his followers (that would be us!) for doing the following; “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”(Matthew 7:3). It is interesting to think that many of us claim to have a deep and personal relationship with Jesus, but when we cite this text, he seems to always be referring to someone else?

I will only use one more example; when speaking about being a leader in the community, and speaking with authority he says, “It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) He also states that the first will be last, and the last first. One can begin to see a clear pattern emerging.

When we address very, very important issues that are contemporary and controversial, we are right to point out that Jesus didn’t address these issues specifically but to pretend that we are called to engage in with these issues in the same way as everyone else is a tremendous betrayal of what the Master DID SAY! DID TEACH! DID LIVE! I think it is imperative that we have a position on abortion, transgendered rights etc. but we have to do it from within the real, living and actual tradition of what he taught and how he lived. And even then, we have to be willing to be honest, and humble about the fact that we don’t know (absolutely) what he would say or do. Again, I am not saying you have to believe lock step as I do on issues that he did not address such as abortion, homosexuality, etc. and also things like labor unions, Capitalism as an economic system etc. I have positions on all of these issues, and many more, but I am aware that I have to be forthright about what is educated guess work (hopefully informed by the Spirit) and actual words and deeds from his life.

I want to close by using an example from my own life to share why this is so important. I hope and pray that I live a life of integrity…. faltering though it may be at times. I am no doubt a sinner, what I want not to do is be a hypocrite. Many, many years ago, my brothers were violently attacked and beaten close to death. I recall for years (yep, years!) afterwards I wanted the men that were responsible for their injuries and the suffering that they caused my family to be killed. I want to be exceedingly clear; I wanted them dead. I wanted no mercy, no ‘niceness’ no ‘justice’ nothing of that nature to be shown to these young men. I remind my students, that the person that wanted this was Rene Sanchez. Me. Rene Sanchez. Me. I will say it in another way, NOT JESUS, NOT GOD! I didn’t want to play the bullshit game of trying to put the ‘seal of approval’ or “imprimatur” on this decision or desire. It is what I wanted to have happen, not anyone else. I certainly am not going to pretend that I can twist the Masters’ words to support my petty little, ego driven desire. Is what happened a tragedy? yes, absolutely. I have been blessed precisely by following the genuine teachings of Jesus Christ to find everlasting, serenity and joy (not superficial happiness) in forgiving those who have hurt me and those that I love. Did it take work? Yes, no doubt. Did I arrive at liberation from the prison created by own hatred, and desire for revenge. Yes! Did I do it alone, No! I did it with the Grace of God, including him working through me and other people. To love as Jesus teaches us to love is a work in progress and a profound commitment to servanthood. This does not begin with denying any of our realities. I make no apologies for what I felt or thought. But it does begin with what Jesus called “The Truth”. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” It begins with accepting that not everything I want, think or feel is necessarily the truth. I think we would do well to enter all dialogue about things Jesus ‘didn’t talk about’ with a healthy dose and emphasis on what he ‘did talk about’ and how he lived his life. His path is for me a central element of living in the real world. It is not only not a world of my creation (thank God!) but contains a road broad enough to include so many fellow travelers. As the famous line sometimes attributed to Ram Dass (or Rumi) says: “We are all just walking each other home”

On Original Sin within various Traditions

I was recently talking to a friend about how various religions seek to explain or deal with the concept of original sin. I believe that virtually all the explanations (and exposition) attempt at explaining this mysterious aspect of the human experience will offer some wonderful insights. Here I would like to focus briefly on some insights that have helped me; both in my personal life and my social analysis work.

I very much believe that one way to understand sin is as a rupture in the foundational relationship to reality. It is a case of misapprehending that which is true or more accurately The Real. The Buddhist might speak of surrendering to Maya. If sin is understood as believing in The Lie then it makes sense that the Devil is called the Father of Lies. This also bring greater clarity to the understanding of living a righteous life as simply living in right-relationship with the Real. Because there are so many layers to this reality and so many relationships, we can only address a few in this entry. Understanding that any deviation from fully grasping The Real is a strong case for our finding ourselves in the arena of sinfulness. It may be more accurate to speak of allowing the Real to possess us, rather than our possession of the Real.

I think it is important to understand that within the Creation myth offered in Genesis God creates all reality from nothing (ex nihilo). I think it is so easy to forget this in our highly individualistic (some might say hype-individualistic) world. It is cliche to speak of the ‘self-made’ man (or fill in the blank!) I constantly remind my students that to accomplish anything in life it is already a ‘team effort’ (this includes the next breath you take!) When one is allowed to engage in the silly, absurd and yes, sinful talk of having accomplished things by oneself one is already in the arena of idolatry. This may begin with a benign intention, but it does lead to greater and greater human sin, and misery. Not only for humanity but for all creation. For me it is helpful to realize that I frequently have more resources than I allow myself. I am reminded of how in my recovery from addictions I have had to rely on the ‘We” of the recovery community and not ‘my own unsteady willpower…we are all together now’. What a great blessing and movement forward in my healing. One way that this inaccurate and sinful perception is unhealthy to our political discourse is in how we deal with the resources of creation. When we speak of wealth and poverty we frequently talk about the arena of taxation. The danger can be that we begin with the supposition that anyone’s wealth is solely produced by themselves (or a small group). So, we inevitably get to the questions that is expressed in some variation of; “Who are we to tell Elon Musk what he should do with HIS MONEY” It is such a painful reality to accept that we have already ‘taken a bite of the fruit that the serpent has offered’ in speaking in these terms.
One of the ways that the insight of the communal nature of all created reality has been in the Catholic Social Tradition concept of the “Universal Destination of Goods.” This understanding of original intent of creation seeks to create a balance between the right to private property and the right to use in speaking of economic reality. This is expressed in the Catholic Catechism in the following phrasing; “The right to private property, acquired by work or received from others by inheritance or gift, does not does not do away with the original gift of the earth to the whole of humankind” Note that for us the Real is that private property is not an ABSOLUTE RIGHT. It is always to be circumscribed by the larger commitment to the reality of how the universe is actually constructed. We are speaking here of a very foundational way of apprehending reality.

Given the way in which the Logic of Capitalism engages this highly consequential relationship between right to private ownership and right to use we can ask the very pointed question; can Capitalism accommodate the Real of the Universal Destination of Goods, and Original Intent of Creation. This question, for some people will instantaneously bring up alarms of ‘Marxist’ or “Communist” overtones. I think we have to be honest and forthright about accepting that there will be echoes and resonance from within that tradition. As many of you know, I have much deep affection and love for the Historical-Materialist tradition(s) in general and the Marxist tradition(s) in particular. My loyalty to various insights is guided by how much they adhere, guide us towards, or reflect the Real. In this sense, I am a fan of Marxist analysis. I am also aware of this loyalty towards the doctrine of the Universal Destination of Good. It is also one of the reasons that I don’t have that degree of loyalty to all of the insights expressed in Humanae Vitae.

When I have taught morality and ethics to students, I remind them that the word sin in Hebrew is chet which literally means to miss the mark. The obvious question becomes “What is The Mark?” and in our highly postmodern influenced world another key question is; “Who decides what is the Mark?” so we can begin with the latter question first. Using the wonderful insights of Emmanuel Levinas, we can speak of ethics coming before ontology. Before all being there is The Other. This would require an entire entry in itself, but the simple answer is that that which decides The Mark can never be the person taking ‘aim’ at the target. We (however we conceive ourselves) can ever be the ultimate arbiter of the Real. We have the capacity to apprehend elements of the Real but are, precisely because we are creatures, and products of the Real, incapable of fully grasping its totality. In terms of responding to the question What is the Mark, I suspect that is much more difficult a question to answer accurately. We are given a hint to this in the passage found in the Gospel of Matthew. Specifically, Matthew 25: 31-46. It is a well-known passage for many reasons. But an element of the pericope that is frequently overlooked is that Jesus is claiming to be in the exact location as the poor, the hungry, the naked etc. He is saying if you wish to see the world in its most accurate or Real manner you must be in this location. This is the only chance you will have of even seeing the Mark that you are trying to hit! What a powerful hint indeed. The corollary is that the further one is from this location the further one is from seeing the Mark, much less, hitting the target.

One way of measuring the authenticity of all religions is their ability to help us land in this location. In this way we can see that the Prophetic/Mystical/Wisdom elements of all the religions speak in a broad sense of sin in the same way. Whether it is the deep commitment that the Hindu tradition has to the Monistic vision, the dedication that Buddhism has to tear the power of Maya (Illusion) for its followers to the deep dedication that all of the Abrahamic traditions have to a life called to service of the Other they seek to locate oneself in the sacred place to encounter the Real, ,that is a love connection with the Other.

The Authority of Our Master

“Do we believe in God? or do we believe in our beliefs about God and, in so doing, perhaps really believe only in ourselves or in what we would like to think about ourselves?”

Johann Baptist Metz: A Passion for God, Theology as Theodicy.

I sometimes write impelled by rage. This is one of those times. I am writing as I contemplate the full repercussions of the overturning of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court. I am also speaking not only to the secular forces but also to the religious forces that allowed this to occur. Because I believe that they are, in a phrase made popular by Cornel West, “inseparable but not identical”. I am very conscious that this event occurred sometime ago. I began this entry back then but have recently come back to it. Particularly given that this an election year and that I know these issues (like it or not) will have some visibility in public discourse.

I am a very proud Theologian/Ethicist who is formed (and informed) within the broad Catholic tradition. I always seek to shape my conscience (I aspire to a ‘properly formed conscience’) using the tools of this broad and inclusive tradition. When I teach the proper formation of conscience, I remind my students that they are to always engage three sources in making am moral decisions: Scripture, Tradition, and Experience. In the debate or discussion about two particular issues that are seen as so significant in importance I am constantly amazed at the way in which all Faith has been lost, this is particularly true among some of the religious hierarchy.

I remember Alan Jones in his wonderful work entitled Soul Making writes that ‘The opposite of faith isn’t doubt it’s certainty’. I find this to be a deep, wise, and significant insight. I have always found that my authentic Faith has sprinkled in a healthy dose of lingering doubt. The doubt comes not from my lack of belief in there being an actual Truth but in my acknowledgment of my inability to fully grasp this, Truth. I have faith in God/Truth/Reality not in my beliefs about God!

I am constantly amazed that the two vital issues that have shaped Catholic/Christian political discourse in the United States is abortion and homosexuality! What is most staggering, and I truly mean utterly stunning is that neither of these issues is ever addressed by Jesus. The Master of our Religion. The person we claim is God on Earth! In the entire corpus of Gospel writings (and even the apocryphal writings, to my knowledge) Jesus never, ever, ever, ever (yeah, I know…. a lot of ever!) ever, ever, ever, ever brings up either of these issues. This is not a matter of trying to ‘interpret’ what he means on this issue! I mean that he never speaks about this at all! In the ‘language’ of the young folks that I teach….wtf!!! How in the hell did inclusion into a Faith tradition that is explicitly based on the life of one person (The Scandal of Particularity!) have been hijacked by idiots who can claim, with a large degree of impunity that the central tenet of Faith is something which the Master never spoke of! How is this possible?

I would like to briefly go through some of the dumbest ‘lines of defense’ that many folks who defend these positions speak about. I also want to be exceedingly clear about where I stand on these issues. I obviously think that as a person of Faith, and even particularly as a disciple of Jesus, I am called, as we are all called, to have positions (and dispositions) on various issues. This will include a variety of issues not addressed in the Gospel texts, and even within the larger Living Tradition. I also want to be very clear that we are, thanks to the great advancements in Biblical Scholarship, more aware than ever before of the wariness one can have on exactly what ‘Jesus said’. I am sympathetic to the danger in getting completely wedded to the ‘words’ of Jesus. That being said, when I teach the use of Scripture I teach the students to think thematically, or what I informally call the ‘big ideas’ found in Scripture. These idease include, part are not limited to; Covenant, Widows, Orphans, and Sojourners, the place of God’s Sovereignity amon many others.

I also remind the students that the Tradition is much, much larger than its remarkable moral wisdom, heritage and insights. I obviously have a deep love for this component of the Tradition. My favorite classes during my theological education were always the ones that dealt with ‘moral issues’; although I still have love (and curiousity) for all areas of the Tradition (Sacramental understandings, Christian Anthropology etc.) I am also deeply aware that all components are deeply imbricated in practice.

In terms of the experience piece of the moral method, I remind the student to be particularly atune to the various individuals, communities etc. that are involved in any moral issue. I remind them of the particular attention that we as Christians give to ‘the least among us’. This was articulated in liberation theological writings succinctly at a ‘preferential option for the poor’. This will require a being in constant vigilance towards the ‘signs of times’. This is particularly true in a commitiment to the best of social analysis and pastoral practice.

With all this foundational work. I want to address the frequently stated concern and defense given to the way in which the Catholic Church addresses the issue of Abortion and Homosexuality.

In common language the concern or defense might be articulated like this: “Yes, Rene you are correct, Jesus didn’t address either abortion or homosexuality however there are many things he didn’t address. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care about these. Or worse, not take a moral position on these important issues of our day”

I absolutely agree with the latter portion of this statement. I do think there is so much which Jesus didn’t talk about nor truly could address given the nature of historical reality. I know he didn’t say anything about nation-state ideology, Capitalism, Communism, labor unions mass media, the internet, invitro fertilization etc. I also equally believe that we are called to respond; as followers of the Master on every one of these issues and many others. I openly acknowledge that there is literally nothing in my life that is not influenced by my Faith and my commitment to follow Jesus. I think my entire world view is deeply formed (and informed) by my Faith. I also know that there are ‘layers’ to the certitude that I would give to certain moral positions and insights. In general I try to hold my moral perspectives with some degree of humility and openness. So in addressing things not spoken of in somewhat ‘explicit’ terms I would be humble in my appraisal. Let me give just one example. I am certain I am not alone in this, but nonetheless it might serve as a model. I for much of my life have been called as Communist, Socialist, Marxist etc. I will be honest, I have deep love for all of these labels. I don’t run away from identification with any of these identities but I can say with 100% assurance that my political, economic, social etc. worldview is most deeply influenced by my attempt at trying to live the Gospel values. This may shock people but I would say that given our historical juncture the best (maybe only) way to truly live out the Gospel value is to have a Socialist/Communist/Anarchist world view and to be explicitally anti-Capitalist. Obviously there would be many caveats I would put on this perspective but my for mY purspose of this entry I will just allow this simplistic articulation of my position to be stated in this manner. This being said, I would never, ever, ever say that this is THE CATHOLIC POSITION. It is precisely because Jesus didn’t talk about Capitialism or Communism or Socialism or Finance Capital or Extraction of Surplus Labor etc. that I would humbly say that this is the best articulation that I have of how to live the Gospel values given this historical period in these areas and on these specific issues. I believe that what grates me the most about how the Catholic Church (specifically elements within the Magesterium) and certain members of the Body of Christ speak to the issue of abortion and homosexuality is the profound arrogance and certitude with which they speak about these issues. Again, the opposite of Faith is not doubt but certitude. I also would never allow myself to even entertain the idea that I could dictate participating in the Sacramental life of the Church on ones position on Labor Unions ! Or that mebership in the Body of Christ (not Body of Rene!!) is based on your being in lock step with me on the proper functioning of the State in regulating the excesses of Financial Capitialist formations in 21st century reality! It is not that I think you should be ‘Pro-Choice’ (a label that I frankly detest) to be Catholic but rather that I think to speak of this issue with such a truncated and distorted understanding of the complexity of, not only the issue itself, but the entire Living Tradition is morally shallow, and lacking in critical engagement with both the issue and the Tradition.

The second issue that I have with this defense is that it consciously or unconsciously allows (or disallows us) from engaging in things that are addressed in the Gospel and teachings of Jesus. It is very true that he did not speak explicitly about abortion or homosexuality but he is said to have said the following words.

¹²Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. ¹³But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, ¹⁴and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 4:12-14)

24″No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. (John15:12-24) (Here it is important to note that it is not to take somones life in defense of another but rather to die….lay down one’s life! for the defense of another)

I wish to be very clear; I am opposed to the proof texting in defense of one’s political position but nonetheless these are actual words credited to being spoken by the Master. The God/Man we are told to follow. To show the profound hypocrisy and distortion in our claim to be following the Gospel let me site two statistics. (1) The United State possesses the largest military budget in the world. In fact, at one point, we spent more than the number 2-10 countries combined. (2) We have many leading church members regularly engage in fellowship with the moneyed class. This includes our current Catholic University systems deeply beholden to wealthy donors to continue their various programs. I think it is somewhat apparent why it rings so hollow to speak with such assurance of our need to ‘protect the innocent unborn child’ (which I am in agreement with) while we give a ‘pass’ at other situations found in our current milieu. Particularly when it doesn’t take much hermeneutical expertise to figure out what Jesus’ teaching might mean for today’s situations!

I want to remind people again that even with the level of clarity offered by the texts mentioned above (among, many, many others) I would still be resistant to saying ‘this is the Catholic position’ on wealth, military spending etc. I certainly think I can make a strong case for certain positions and would challenge other positions as not as tenable. But in the end if we are serious about the Primacy of Conscience then we must be willing to submit in humility to something larger than one’s own position. This is not only true of each individual member of the Body of Christ, but I would argue that it is even more of an imperative for the entire Body of Christ. For we must remember we are members of the Body of Christ, not the Body of Rene, Cardinal X or Pope Y. At our best we are a Pilgrim People helping each other along the road.

I will close with the beautiful quote by Rumi who reminds us that in the end “We’re all just walking each other home”