God’s Stern Judgment for George Bush

God will judge George Bush sternly.

God’s stern judgment likewise awaits Bill Clinton, Hugo Chavez, Bill Gates, and Pope Benedict XVI.

As human beings in a complex world, you and I may have varying opinions about each of these exalted personages: some very positive, some very negative.

Today’s first reading (Wisdom 6:1-11) reminds us, however, that God is the ultimate judge and that where much is given – especially earthly power – much is required.

Hear, O kings, and understand;
learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse!
Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude
and lord it over throngs of peoples!

Because authority was given you by the Lord
and sovereignty by the Most High,
who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels.
Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom,
you judged not rightly,
and did not keep the law,
nor walk according to the will of God,
Terribly and swiftly shall he come against you,
because judgment is stern for the exalted–

For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy
but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test.

For the Lord of all shows no partiality,
nor does he fear greatness,
Because he himself made the great as well as the small,
and he provides for all alike;
but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.

Of course, those of us who do not hold exalted office are not off the hook, especially in a republic where we are the ones who choose the holders of exalted office and the wielders of power.

We too need to heed the Lord’s words, especially as we look ahead to elections (the Iowa caucuses, for example, are just weeks away), for you and I are the kingmakers and the princes of our republics.

To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed
that you may learn wisdom
and that you may not sin.

For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed
shall be found holy,
and those learned in them
will have ready a response.

Desire therefore my words;
long for them
and you shall be instructed.