Episode 2637: Vote like a Catholic: Part 5: Voting in Line with the Common Good

Voting as a Catholic: Part 5: Voting in Line with the Common Good
Voting as an Act of Charity and Justice
Sharon:
Let us begin with a prayer.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance in all we do. As we reflect on the responsibility of voting, help us to remember that our decisions impact not only ourselves but also our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. May our choices promote justice, love, and the common good, in line with Your will.
Through the intercession of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, we ask for wisdom and discernment. May we always seek to build a society that reflects Your truth, justice, and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sharon:
Welcome to today’s episode I’m Sharon, your host, and joining me as always is Walt. Today, we’re diving into a topic that's on the minds of many Catholics as we approach another election season voting in line with the common good.

Voting is more than just a civic duty for Catholics; it’s a moral responsibility. But what does that really mean, especially in a world that feels so divided? Today we’re going to explore the Church’s teachings on the common good and how those teachings should guide us in the voting booth.

Walt:
That's right, Sharon. Too often, we can get caught up in partisan politics and forget that our first allegiance is to Christ and His Church. Voting isn’t just about pushing an agenda, it’s about promoting the dignity of every person and ensuring that society reflects our Christian values. A quote that really struck me while preparing for today’s episode is from St. Basil the Great:
"The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat in your closet belongs to the naked."
This is a powerful reminder that our political decisions should reflect our concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.
Sharon:
Absolutely, Walt. And that idea promoting the dignity of every person lies at the heart of the Catholic understanding of the common good. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the common good as “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.” (CCC, 1906)

This isn’t just about material needs, though that’s certainly important. It’s about the spiritual, social, and even economic conditions that allow people to flourish in the way God intended. When Catholics step into the voting booth, we have to consider not only what benefits us personally but what benefits society as a whole.

Walt:
Exactly. And this isn’t just a matter of charity it’s also about justice. Pope Leo XIII in Rerum Novarum said, “No one can be at the same time a good citizen and a bad Christian.” Our public actions, like voting, are an extension of our faith. When we vote in line with the common good, we’re fulfilling our responsibility to both God and our fellow citizens.

Sharon:
And that brings us to another important point the dignity of the person. The Church teaches that every human being, from conception to natural death, has inherent dignity. This means that certain policies, no matter how beneficial they seem on the surface, cannot be supported if they undermine the sanctity of life. As St. John Paul II said in Evangelium Vitae, “A society that does not respect the right to life of every person, especially the weakest, is a society that is undermining its very foundation.”

Walt:
That’s why issues like abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide are non-negotiables for Catholics. We can’t compromise on the dignity of life. But at the same time, the common good also includes the protection of families and the broader society. The family, as the “domestic church,” is critical to the health of any society. As Catholics, we must vote for policies that strengthen the family policies that defend marriage, parental rights in education, and uphold traditional family values.

Sharon:
And this isn’t just about personal responsibility it’s about societal responsibility. The government has a role to play in ensuring that just systems are in place to help those who are poor or marginalized. It’s a balance between charity and justice. As Pope Benedict XVI said in Caritas in Veritate, “Charity is not a substitute for justice, but it surpasses it by love.”

Walt:
That’s a crucial point, Sharon. Voting for policies that help the poor and vulnerable whether it’s healthcare, workers’ rights, or immigration reflects our commitment to both charity and justice. But we also have to be discerning. Some policies may seem charitable on the surface but actually do more harm than good. For example, welfare programs that foster dependency rather than empowerment may not serve the common good in the long run.

Sharon:
That’s a great example. It’s all about finding the balance between immediate needs and long-term solutions. And let’s not forget that there are some issues that carry more moral weight than others. While caring for the environment is important, it doesn’t hold the same gravity as protecting the right to life. Catholics must use prudential judgment to weigh the importance of different policies. St. Thomas Aquinas once said, “The good must not be abandoned for fear of an evil that may arise.” (Summa Theologica, I-II, q. 19, a. 6)

Walt:
Exactly. And sometimes, this means voting for the “lesser evil” when no perfect candidate exists. It’s not about finding the ideal solution—because in this world, that rarely happens but about mitigating the harm and promoting as much good as possible.

Sharon:
As Catholics, our responsibility is to engage in the political process with a well-formed conscience, always seeking the common good. That means voting for policies and candidates that reflect our commitment to life, dignity, and justice. And, as Pope Pius XI said, “Charity cannot be neutral nor inactive in the face of injustice.”

Walt:
Well said, Sharon. Voting is an act of faith and love for our neighbor. And while the political world is far from perfect, our participation is necessary. We are called to be faithful citizens who bring the light of the Gospel into the voting booth.

Concluding Prayer:
Sharon:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the King of all creation, and we seek to build a world that reflects Your truth and love. Guide our hearts and minds as we make decisions for the common good. Help us to always choose policies that promote life, dignity, and justice for all, especially the most vulnerable. May our actions in the political sphere reflect our commitment to You and to our neighbors, and may we always seek Your will above all else.
We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sharon:
Thank you for joining us. Until next time, may God guide your steps and give you the wisdom to always seek the common good in all that you do. God bless!