The relationship between religious faith and public life is perplexing. In some societies, even today, there is virtually no difference between the two. In other, more secular societies, any expression of religious conviction is unacceptable in public. It is true of course that there is an appropriate distinction and even separation to be made, as indeed Jesus does make today in the Gospel. But on at least two issues, there is bound to be some crossover. Religious faith informs our values and in society today policies and laws must be grounded, not in a particular faith certainly, but in values nevertheless.

Prayer

Lord, we need your wisdom to tell what belongs to God and what belongs to Caesar. Send your Holy Spirit into the heart of all believers that we may be true to ourselves and tolerant towards people with whom we disagree.

K O’Mahony OSA