Those Darn Catholic Politicians

The Catholic Church teaches:
2104 "All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and his Church, and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it." This duty derives from "the very dignity of the human person." It does not contradict a "sincere respect" for different religions which frequently "reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men," nor the requirement of charity, which urges Christians "to treat with love, prudence and patience those who are in error or ignorance with regard to the faith."

Treating those who are in error, whether grave or otherwise, with regard to the Truth of The Catholic Faith with love, prudence and patience can be a monumental undertaking.  It is difficult for me because I hold those Catholics in the public eye to a higher standard than those of us who muddle through our days with little notice from the 'Powers-that-Be".  Let's face it, I may write a brilliant piece today but the chances that the Associated Press or even the National Catholic Register is going to notice and give me any play are slim to none.  For many I am a lone voice shouting into the wind.  For most I am just one more little old Catholic Lady with a Blog.

Whether anyone reads this or not is not the point for me, anyway, because I believe it is my duty as a member of the Order of Preachers to do my best to support Truth.  That is my purpose and my calling.  Whether I am doing that as a writer or a Catechist for RCIA or as another lady in the pew is not nearly as important as actually doing it - supporting Truth, giving my readers my take on a situation and then being willing to listen, open up my heart and 'treat with love, prudence and patience' those who are either in error or ignorant.

It was recently reported that Joe Biden officiated at a same-sex marriage.

Joe Biden calls himself a Catholic.

What he did is against Catholic teaching, though I am certain it was politically expedient and made him feel warm and fuzzy inside. 

Tim Kaine, Vice Presidential Candidate keeps stating over and over that he personally is anti Abortion and pro Life (like any Faithful Catholic, he reminds us) but that as a government official he is bound to uphold the law.   He says he finds abortion abhorrent. 

I would believe him if he made a statement that he thinks it is stupid and morally reprehensible that there are more laws in place that protect the embryo of the California Condor than there are laws in place that insure the clinics that women go to in order to end the baby's life are clean and sterile.  I would believe him if he stated that caring about women means offering them a viable alternative to abortion and that is why he is supporting a drive to make sure the government financially supports Pregnancy Centers that do offer those alternatives with the same zeal in which it supports Planned Parenthood.  In other words, I would believe him if he was more vocal about either changing unjust laws or trying to provide equitable alternatives to those laws.

As a Catholic it is not my place to make any kind of moral judgment on the state of the souls of either of these men.  That is up to The Church and both of these guys know exactly where the nearest Catholic Church is and can look up what time that Church provides the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Both of them know priests and bishops and cardinals and probably could even get through to the Vatican if they wanted to use their political juice.  If they want to discuss their actions and their beliefs with someone in Authority within the Catholic Church they can do so. 

What I can tell you is this:  when people who want to hold themselves out before the world as Catholic either take actions that spit in the face of The Bride of Christ or make statements that beg the general public to forgive them for having to be Catholic when the secular world hates what their religion teaches, they are letting the rest of us down with a thud. 

When I take an action or make a statement that does the same, I too am letting down the Body of Christ.  I have done that very thing in the past and have done so in a spectacular fashion - the difference is no one notices unless I offer to let you all in on my dirty little secret.

The secret?

I am a sinner.  I am not worthy that He should enter under my roof.

Joe and Tim are too.

Good thing the Catholic Church is a hospital for people like us...or we would be in big, big trouble.