Justice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation - PATRIOTISM

July 4, 2019 is the 243^rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of the United States of America.  Following that eventful day, were seven more years of war with Great Britain as our forefathers struggled for our independence from autocratic rule.  It was not until 11 years later, on September 17, 1787, that the new Constitution was signed, thus beginning this experiment of a democratic republic that we call the United States of America.

After completing the work on the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin stepped outside and was asked, “Well, Dr. Franklin, what kind of government do we have?”  His succinct answer is shown in the meme.

In today’s world, we continue to strive to keep our Republic and despite all the rancor, we continue to have a system of government that works fairly well. 

Mr. Churchill’s comments 160 years later help bring perspective to our concerns about the direction of today’s government.

‘Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’

Winston S Churchill, 11 November 1947

Many folks get all uptight about today’s government and what happens or doesn’t happen.  We hear claims and counterclaims about who is the most patriotic group in our country. 

Patrick Henry brings focus to much of our current considerations, as well.    We are

reminded of the true nature of our governmental system as Mr. Lincoln so eloquently said at the battlefield in Gettysburg,

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

We who claim to be Franciscan, take a higher view of all this falderol in today’s atmosphere.   Articles 13-15 of our Rule explains where our focus should lie.  Articles 18-20, and Article 22 of our Constitutions further clarify where our efforts should be concentrated.  Simply put, even though we participate in our democratic processes, we must keep in the forefront of our mind that “…[we] should collaborate as much as possible for the passage of just laws and ordinances.”  So, we have an obligation to participate in our governmental systems, but our focus is outward to those who are less fortunate, both materially as well as spiritually.  Nearly a year ago, we wrote of our responsibility as Catholic Christians for participating in our governmental processes. 

Although we are in this world, our motto remains “Gospel to Life—Life to Gospel.”  When we do this, we don’t allow ourselves to get caught up in the trivial disagreements that prevail in our current day.  We focus on the “Common Good”—what is right for all people—ALL people—not just those who happen to agree with us.  We  set aside the contrary differences of political acrimony and work for the good of all—our citizens, the immigrants, the poor, the homeless, the ill, the unborn, the refugees, the imprisoned, the marginalized, and so on.   So, our patriotic duty lies in how we work for the common good.  We don’t allow ourselves to become bound by partisan differences or ideologies.  Our focus remains helping and comforting all those who come to us with their needs.  And, we do it with Franciscan Joy.  We can do no less to fulfill our profession as Franciscans. 

Pace e bene