While speaking to Congress on Thursday, Pope Francis gave a moving shout out to Martin Luther King saying his “dream continues to inspire us all.” The Pope added, “I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of ‘dreams.'”
Here I think of the political history of the United States, where democracy is deeply rooted in the mind of the American people. All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776). If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life. I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves, but I encourage you in this effort.
Here too I think of the march which Martin Luther King led from Selma to Montgomery fifty years ago as part of the campaign to fulfill his “dream” of full civil and political rights for African Americans. That dream continues to inspire us all. I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of “dreams”. Dreams which lead to action, to participation, to commitment. Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people.
Pope Francis’ talk was deeply rooted in the Golden Rule, which he referenced as if reminding Congress of their failures. His speech was a call to remember who we are and to act on those lofty principles of inclusion, respect and dignity. It was as if dad came into the House chamber to lecture the children to stop fighting.
The Pope used Martin Luther King to remind everyone that all are created equal and that politics should serve the human person (not corporations). He followed, “… it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance.”
The Pope said our political purpose is to build the greatest common good in order to share goods in justice and peace.
The Pope’s speech was a stunning rebuke of the austerity measures and cruel hatred directed toward minorities by Republicans in Congress. It was an uplifting reminder of the best of human nature and to use politics to keep reaching for Martin Luther King’s dream.
If politics should serve people, then government must serve people. That is, not to be partisan but rather to be clear, not the belief of the Republican Party. However, liberals believe that we should use government to share resources and create more dignity for individuals.
The Pope has given our nation much to ponder.
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