Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia spoke at the inauguration of the Thomas More Society in the Diocese of Green Bay in October 2010. The Thomas More Society consists of judges, attorneys, and public officials who turn to Saint Thomas More as a mentor and model in their work as public servants, a model of integrity and courage. Judge Scalia mentioned in his address that our culture looks upon believers as “unsophisticated cretins,” foolish people who believe in Jesus Christ and the story of His Resurrection. It appears to me that history has not changed.
I am very concerned about our society and the direction it has selected, one that would restrict – eliminate – even the mention of God in the community, a Godless America. Who do we blame for this? How did we get into this position? How do we change our culture to one where God is again an integral part?
I do not have an answer; I wish I did! I do know, however, that we should blame ourselves for the position we are in, as unpopular as that may be. We seldom exhibit the courage to serve as God’s Ambassador to the world, to stand up for our beliefs. We are too interested in the other person’s feelings, being concerned that we might offend ‘someone’ if we state that we are Christians (or Jews). During this Easter Season, as we re-member the life, death, and most importantly the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus the Christ – for Christians, and Passover for the Jewish Community – I pray that God will give each of us the courage to worry less about being ‘politically correct’ and more about being morally right, and as Judge Scalia mentioned, “a model of integrity and courage.” That we might reflect God’s Glory to a needy world!