It seems as if the world of politics is inescapable in our society today. Politicians have become celebrities, outspoken on issues that will polarize us and elicit emotional responses. Election cycles become spectacles for our entertainment, although we get far too emotionally invested in them for it to be considered mere entertainment. In reality, the world of politics and the societies that are run by politics will all eventually pass away. The only thing that remains unchanging is the kingdom of God, and we must remember this when we become anxious or are seduced by the power of politics. That being said, we still live in a society in which politics is important and governmental decisions can affect us in our daily lives. How does a Catholic balance a life in service to the Church and hope in Christ with the possible evils that can be committed in the name of governance?

We must keep in mind the people who are in our government and pray for them ardently. Governments seem to be indicative of human civilization from our very beginning. It was governmental decisions that led to enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, exile to Babylon, Roman occupation, and even the death of our Lord. But it was also through governmental decisions that Cyrus gave independence to the Israelites, that Christianity was legalized by Constantine, and that various nations around the world have implemented explicit Catholic social teaching in their laws. These decisions, both good and bad, could only be accomplished through the power to enact them, often in the hands of one person. Power can be intoxicating - on the one hand, you can do great things on behalf of the will of God, but on the other, it means that very few things can stop you from making decisions that are only in your self-interest.

In light of these fears, the story that leads into the story found in the book of Ezra is tremendously hopeful. Cyrus was a gentile king who, through the grace of God, made a decision for the good of the Israelites. He used his power for good. On the other hand, when politicians abuse systems in order to amass more power, they often do so secretly so that the population is unaware. It is an incredibly evil act that damages their soul; this is how disordered the allure of power can cause people to be. But Jesus speaks to us in words that should make us hopeful regardless of our current political crises: there is nothing hidden now that will not be revealed by God. Temporal power passes away from those who have it, but God is all-powerful for the rest of time.