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Election Tuesday
I’m happy that St. Matt’s is again serving as a polling place this Tuesday. Our country’s democratic system depends on thousands of churches, schools and other locations providing places for voting.
St. Matt’s provides this service for free. It’s one way we contribute to the common good.
“Common good” is a term often used in Catholic social teaching. It refers to good things that are possible with others. In many cases, they’re only possible with others.
For example, consider public infrastructure such as roads, parks, and schools. Or, think of choirs, bands and friendships. You can’t do these things by yourself.
Talking about the common good reminds me of Colin Miller’s recent book, We Are Only Saved Together. (Miller directs the Center for Catholic Social Thought at the Church of the Assumption. I’ve written about talks there, including last week’s column about beggars.)
Miller’s book title comes from basic church teaching. Our Catholic faith emphasizes togetherness: let us come together, worship together, and do good together.
Perhaps you’ve heard a theological term for togetherness: solidarity. Along with dignity and subsidiarity, solidarity is a core principle of Catholic social teaching. (Subsidiarity is a principle of social organization that states that issues should be addressed at the most local level possible.)
And then there’s Biblical language: we’re all members of the Body of Christ.
Tuesday’s election challenges all citizens of voting age to participate in self-governance. I encourage you to do so. Choose candidates who will promote human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity. And as I asked last week, which candidates will make it easier for us to be good?
Have a great week!
Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
651-224-9793
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