Comments on: Congressman Cao’s Discernment

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:53:14 +0000

Like Vinita, I’m encouraged to see an example of Ignatian Spirituality at work, and I hope that Congressman Cao’s example will be noticed by other public servants.
Unlike Jim Infantine, I believe that Congressman Cao discerned himself into light, not darkness, by being able to see the need for this country to do something about the poor. If I am up to date on the version of this bill that Cao voted for, federal funds will in no way whatsoever be used for abortions. That aside, the Christian notion of helping the poor is hardly a sentimental one – it is fundamental. When did Christians forget that?

By: Jim Infantine

Jim Infantine — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:28:17 +0000

Sadly, this seems an example of how one can “discern” oneself into a very dark place. On pro-life grounds alone, it is, at the very least, a horrible prudential judgment to think that voting for this health care plan will not give more momentum to the pro-abortion forces.
Additionally, sentimental notions about helping the poor are not enough. Idealistic imaginings about what government-run healthcare will provide are very likely to collide with the reality of denials of care for persons deemed to be in need of care that is “too expensive”, etc. I would have hoped Congressman Cao might have discerned a need for more skepticism when considering putting healthcare in the hands of an administration that has shown little respect for the vulnerable at the beginning and end of life.

By: Vinita

Vinita — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:50:21 +0000

Wow–thanks for posting this. Very encouraging to see Ignatian spirituality at work in an arena that often seems void of much positive spirituality.