Politicized Sabbath

There are people who say that the golden rule is that there are no golden rules. Franklin Roosevelt says, “Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are.” There are also people who vow, that if we follow all the rules, we will miss all the fun. Our Constitution is formed in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, general welfare etc. More than a simple feeling of an obligation that we follow a set of rules, we respect and care for our society and make it a livable and a lovable place.

Love is God. God is spirit. Spirit flows without any hurdles. Love flows without any unnecessary hurdles. Rules and regulations do have the capacity to limit our acts of love. We have to be realistic and practical with our love also. Pope Leo XIII talks of the difference between the two poles of attention: the temporal and the religious aspect of our existence. “They are distinct in their origin and nature. For matters of the temporary order - however lawful, however important they be - do not extend beyond the limits of that life which we live on this our earth. But religion, born of God, and referring all things to God, takes a higher flight and touches heaven. For her will, her wish is to penetrate the soul, man's best part, with the knowledge and the love of God and to lead in safety the whole human race to that City of the Future which we seek for.” (Encyclical CUM MULTA)

For the Jews there is no distinction between the laws of religion and the laws of the government. The following of the law concerning Sabbath had been politicized long ago and curing a sick man by the power of God has been watered down to a mere discussion of a murder plot against Jesus by Herod and other leading Pharisees.

Our practice of our religion should necessarily have an effect in the way we love our country. It should be an obvious and an objective reality that a Christian’s outlook on patriotism is different from a person who does not believe in God. All of us have a responsibility in making our government and constitutions respected and work towards unity, justice and peace. What are the ways I would involve myself in the growth of my country?