Knowing how to act in a morally challenging situation can be confusing. Even the holy writers of the books of Scripture sometimes offer
conflicting advice about how the people of their times should act in a given historical situation.
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| Daniel in Lion's Den |
The Book of Daniel, on the one hand, advises believers
not to
take action against persecutions of the Emperor Antiochus IV but rather to trust completely in the
power of God to deliver the faithful from their oppressors. The Books
of First Maccabees and Judith, on the other hand, encourage believers in this same thorny situation to
take action--even
violent action when necessary--against their persecutors. And the Book of
Esther suggests a kind of "middle course" between these teachings.
Which
advice is "right"?
The Old Testament teaches that what
is "right" in any situation becomes known by the wise through
discernment of God's presence and God's call within the situation
itself. And it teaches that wisdom and discernment come only through
living a life in
right relationship (covenant) with God. This
right relationship includes abiding in a deep love for and respect for
Creator and all creation (and not just the community of faith). It is
only if we come to know God intimately, seeking out God's presence in
our every moment, that we will come to understand what God is requiring
of us within our every moment.
Of course, moral behavior is expected and taught
emphatically in the Old Testament. Morally evil actions are never
considered "good," in the Bible, though they may sometimes be justified.
But there are loads of times when we are required to choose between more than one
morally good
course of action. Right now, should I be writing this blog post or
clearing off my messy desk? Both are morally good things to do. I have
to decide, moment by moment, "What is the most loving action for me to
take?" (My desk can wait...again!)
St. Ignatius of Loyola taught his followers in the Society of Jesus many important principles for helping discern what God is requiring of us from day to day. But that's food for another post!
