1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14 / Luke 6:39-42
In his universal prayer intention for the month of July, Pope Francis called on people to pray for “political responsibility [to] be lived at all levels as a high form of charity”.
In the “Evangelii Gaudium” the Pope stated that “politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good”. “I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!” the Pope wrote.
Today as our nation goes to the polls to elect the government for the next four years, the two readings of today's liturgy reminds us of the importance of casting a responsible vote.
For one to run for an election, he/she must be as transparent and honest as how St. Paul described himself in the 1st reading.
St. Paul said that Jesus Christ judged him faithful enough to call him into His service even though he used to be a blasphemer and did all he could to injure and discredit the faith..
But Jesus showed him mercy and the grace of the Lord filled him with faith and love.
So whether one is called to serve the Lord or to serve the nation, that person must first be able to see the "plank" in his own eye instead of observing the splinter in other peoples' eyes.
Failing to do so would mean the person is rather "blind" to what is his own faults and shortcomings. How can such a "blind" person lead others?
As Pope Francis said, politics and political responsibility is a high form of charity.
May the Lord grant our country responsible and charitable political leaders.