Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that “everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as ‘another self,’ above all bearing in mind [their] life and the means necessary for living it with dignity.” No legislation could by itself do away with the fears, prejudices, and attitudes of pride and selfishness which obstruct the establishment of truly fraternal societies. Such behavior will cease only through the charity that finds in every [person] a “neighbor,” a brother [or sister].
Vaticana, Libreria Editrice. Catechism of the Catholic Church . United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Kindle Edition. Paragraph 1931
“You can’t legislate morality.” I’ve heard it many times. The more you try, the more harm you do, it seems.
It’s because making the outside of the cup look clean doesn’t do anything for the inside. The part that matters most. Jesus said that a long time ago.
Our tax law has stolen a deep word from us and made it shallow. Charity once meant selfless love. That’s what it meant to the writer of the quote above. Now, it means a tax write off.
Our hearts. Do we love our neighbors (no exceptions) as we love ourselves? Do we see their dignity and respond with respect? Or do we slap a label on them, ridicule and reject them, and let our society crush them? Like the Pharisees did.
“What would Jesus do?” I’ve heard it many times.
- Son, your sins are forgiven.
- Daughter, your faith has made you well.
- Woman, has no one condemned you? Neither do I. Go and sin no more.
- Zaccheus, I’m coming to your house today.
- This woman you despise has washed my feet with her tears.
Our votes matter because they say what kind of society we want. They say what kind of leader we respect. They enact how we and our neighbors will be treated.
Our hearts matter more because that’s who we are, who we have to live with.
Grace and peace to you
dw
becoming flame 