The king [of Judah, named Josiah,] then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned before him.
The king went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, great and small. He read aloud to them all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
The king stood by the column and made a covenant in the presence of the LORD to follow the LORD and to observe his commandments, statutes, and decrees with his whole heart and soul, and to re-establish the words of the covenant written in this book. And all the people stood by the covenant. (2 Kings 23:1-3 NABRE)
It takes a courageous leader to correct a bad situation, especially when it means risking public opinion. And yet, progress always brings risk. Sometimes our leaders forget that there can be a greater risk that comes with stagnation.
When King Josiah became aware that his people had not been following the Law, he became heartsick and led his people back to their covenant with the Lord.
Lord, I ask that you open to your will the hearts of our leaders. May they recognize the moral responsibility they bear to lead our nation with righteous character and conviction. And may those who influence public opinion recognize the important role they play in our progress as a nation and as a leader for good in the world community. And may we all find our way to you as we encounter the challenges of this life each day.
Today, I will pray for our elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
Saint Thomas More, patron of attorneys, civil servants, court clerks, lawyers, politicians, and public servants, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment