We live in politically troubled times. There is a great deal of division over issues.
As part of this division, some people who disagree over issues have resorted to violence, and frequently demonize their opponents. We see so many politicians, pundits, media commentators, and so on labeling opponents "Fascists," "Communists," Nazis," "libtards," "racists," "idiots," "pedophiles," "perverts," "liars," and more, and consistently assuming the opponents are evil and are acting out of the worst possible motives.
As bad as it is to hear these leaders and other public figures stoop to this level, we hear their words echoed by some in the general population. And sadly, among some religious individuals.
Such tactics undermine civil discourse.
And such words and assumptions are not in keeping with Franciscan spirituality and attitudes.
Yes, one can disagree over actions and policies, and one should speak out about the issues when we view some actions as unwise or morally wrong. We should warn about possible negative consequences of acting in certain ways and by pursuing certain policies.
But some of the issues over which we disagree are prudential in nature. In other words, people might disagree, but both sides may have good intentions. And it is clearly not Franciscan in nature to assume one's opponents are always acting with evil intentions.
We can criticize the policies, but we should not attack the person.
St. Francis lived in a time of division and violence that parallels - or exceeds - ours. They had political factions, vendettas, wars, all sorts of injustice, and more. But St. Francis focused on what was good in all individuals, including those he could have viewed as enemies. We see that clearly when he went to the Sultan. While many political leaders and Crusaders viewed Muslims as evil and heretics, St. Francis viewed the Sultan as a fellow human being and child of God, and treated him with respect.
That should be the model for us in how we act and speak.
St. Francis did write once to political leaders.
TO THE RULERS OF THE PEOPLE.
To all podestàs, and consuls, judges and governors, in whatever part of the world, and to all others to whom this letter may come, Brother Francis, your little and contemptible servant, wishes health and peace to you.
Consider and see that the day of death draws nigh. I ask you, therefore, with such reverence as I can, not to forget the Lord on account of the cares and solicitudes of this world and not to turn aside from His commandments, for all those who forget Him and decline from His commandments are cursed and they shall be forgotten by Him. And when the day of death comes, all that which they think they have shall be taken away from them. And the wiser and more powerful they may have been in this world, so much the greater torments shall they endure in hell.
Wherefore, I strongly advise you, my lords, to put aside all care and solicitude and to receive readily the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in holy commemoration of Him. And cause so great honor to be rendered the Lord by the people committed to you, that every evening it may be announced by a crier or by another sign to the end that praises and thanks shall resound to the Lord God Almighty from all the people. And if you do not do this, know that you are beholden to render an account before your Lord God Jesus Christ on the day of Judgment. Let those who keep this writing with them and observe it know that they are blessed by the Lord God.
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