I read and listen to the news several times a day, every day. It is good to be knowledgeable, consider and lend our hearts to the good, painful, and sinful happenings in the world. Indeed, apathy is individual selfishness and leads to death.

Our identity is not only as individuals, but we are community at the same time. God is one God (monotheism), and at the same time community (Trinity). We are called to be as He is. We, individuals, are conceived and born into community, called the family. Thus, we naturally continue to form and maintain our communities. Government is the title we give to decision-making used to grow and effectuate community. The word “government” is usually used to describe public entities and are taxpayer funded. Government is for us, and provides mandatory guardrails.

There is no doubt we are a worldwide spiritual society. We may not all be religious in our expression (which is a matter of degree) but we are all spiritual. Even my friend who cognitively concludes that he is an atheist cannot deny his good acts motivated by love. In the United States our documents, official oaths, official prayers and actions clearly show that we believe in God. But, thank God, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits us from establishing a religion. Otherwise, we may be prohibited from much of the Spirit’s loving beauty expressed through other beliefs, writings, and practices.

My Catholic, Christian view leads me to the simplistic, stumbling, and incomplete description above. But, in good faith, it is offered as “food for thought.” Other truths (especially for my atheist friend) are in 1 John 4:16, which says, “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” Another truth is with regard to motives of the heart. Scripture is replete with discussions regarding pure intention and motives of the heart, rather than what may be mere cosmetic acts of piety. The greatest commandment held by Muslims, Jews, and Christians is expressed beautifully by Jesus, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” — Matthew 22:36-40

Working for government, and indeed being a citizen, has gifted me with knowing many people on councils and boards, and other governmental decision-makers. They are good people with good hearts. Like the rest of us, we struggle with purifying our motives as we act. We need to pray for ourselves and each other for purer hearts and motives.