Buckthorn Rulers In Our Midst

Buckthorn is an intrusive, thorny plant that tends to invade space desired for native foliage.   Moreover, it weakens wildlife habitats, serves as host to other pests, and, left unattended, can take over an entire yard.  In the Book of Judges (9:6-15), buckthorn is depicted as a symbol for unchecked but overshadowing, destructive power that responds to the wholly irresponsible, rebellious,  and ungrateful Jews who anoint the murderous Abimelech to rule over them.  The son of Gideon and Gideon’s concubine, Abimelech,  employed treachery and betrayal to gain godlike power.   He killed his seventy brothers (of which one reportedly survived).

 
If this sounds like today—the irrational submission of millions of people to ghastly, unprincipled tyrants, the ambitious tyrants’ imperviousness to any challenges to their rule, and enemies struck down—it is because the ugly side of human nature—devoid of virtue—has once again bowed its fallen self.

 
Moreover, the propagandist blanket of “public service” shrouds the modernists, including elected and appointed politicians, government spokespersons, and media figures, few of whom wholly or genuinely model themselves after the truest Public Servant, Jesus Christ, though some infer that they could “walk on water” for the downtrodden.  And, how wearisome that this pattern repeats throughout our history.

 
One would have thought even prior to Abimelech that by the age of Moses, perhaps the premiere public servant of the Old Testament, the faithful would have learned that devious leaders fill only stomachs, and at great price, while destroying souls and leading to demonic captivity. 

 
Jesus Christ bore this ignorance, at best, and obstinate ambition, at worst, even among those closest to Him.  Clearly the mother of St. James and St. John was poorly assertive when she asked that her sons sit at the left and right of Jesus Christ in His Kingdom.  (Matthew 20:20-28).  Quickly, they learned that all authority is under God, but that true power is attained only by dying to self, sometimes literally.

 
Some seeking government or organizational leadership roles have exhibited virtue, but, ironically, they rarely rise to the highest offices.  Like the parable of the trees in Judges 9, more ideal “fruit producing”candidates, like the “olive tree, fig tree, and vine” all sense sacrifice without justification because the people do not seek the Father that they should and would follow, but a “sugar daddy.”  So, the more capable and devout steer themselves to private enterprise,  religious life, evangelization, or truly charitable associations.  Some build businesses that employ others, the better of which accomplish such honorably.

 
However,, eventually, a spiritually slothful but self serving public settles for bramble, as haughty and demanding as it becomes.  Again, today, they fall for hype, not the truth; the outward posturing not inward strength.  For if millions today were truly humble and obedient to God, they would never consider these scamps who pickpocket some citizens to unjustly enrich others.  They would rather die as martyrs than see the slaughter of innocents.  Most importantly they would demand moral public servants.

 
How does that optimally present itself? 

 
Attributes that mirror the Mysteries of the Life of Jesus Christ accompany authentic service in the world,  although some are more evident in  particular persons than others.  However, no one can claim to be a public servant if morality is lacking, or there are any serious transgressions against God’ laws in the the way of unrepentant mortal sin, scandalous public behavior or official acts while in office that violate natural law. 

 
Also, study exemplary public servants , especially in their golden years.  Often, they are quiet, reserved, relatively modest in attire and surroundings, are sought for sage advice, take little to no credit for the good they have accomplished but are quick to defer to those more spiritually healthy than themselves.  No one, including strangers have bad words about them and mourn their passing.    

 
If they have children, these surround them like a laurel wreathe to the wisdom of their upbringing.  Scandal does not touch the heart of the true public servant’s inner circle.   Chances are the best among the public servants will continue to serve in some capacity even after retirement but in private ways.  

 
As a final note, it may appear that we are facing insurmountable odds at recruiting and retaining desirable public servants, but I trust there are numerous “oaks” in the wings by our conscientious diligence in seeking and recognizing them.  We are accountable for the caliber of representation we receive.  The same attributes that apply to public service applies to those whose responsibility it is to vote for or appoint our representatives.  In other words, in general, if we lack wise public servants, it is likely due to the fact that we do not serve God, first and foremost.

 
Finally, we must also pray and fast.  Pope Leo XIV has requested this for world peace on August 22nd—Queenship of Mary—the handmaiden of the Perfect Servant.  We can also ask for faithful leaders.

 
(As I was finalizing this article, I learned of the passing of  Judge Frank Caprio, a timely model for the foregoing.  May he rest in peace and receive his reward for public service in its truest meaning.)