Across the deep blue ocean, church leaders have gathered at the Vatican for a continuation of the ecclesial synod as the pope prays that the church will be welcoming to all people and that governments throughout the globe will promote the dignity of every human person.

Pope Francis recently commented that the American presidential election (probably like many elections) is a choice between the lesser of two evils.  His is a philosophical principle that the church has held for centuries, based on the premise that we exist in an imperfect world with complicated political systems.  He, according to this viewpoint, assesses the major party candidates according to how they value human life—even in the womb, even on death row, even with severe mental and/or physical disabilities—and finds them missing the mark.  Mother Teresa put it more directly thirty years ago in the presence of the American president and vice-president when she said that any nation which allows parents to kill their own children should never expect anything other than violence in their streets, daily reports of killings, and the constant threat of war and death.  Both the pope and the saint base their reason, logic, and faith in Catholic Social Teachings which begin with the Dignity of Human Life; every other value and principle flows from it.

Our church holds that there are evil spirits which roam about the world seeking ruin.  In light of that belief, we should not easily dismiss the concept of the lesser of evils or, put more positively, a choice for the greater good.  The concept originated with Aristotle and has been promoted by many philosophers, theologians, and saints since.  They urge us to get engaged in doing what causes the least harm and brings about the greatest outcomes.  Political parties and candidates, even Catholic ones, tend to promote their partisan platforms more than theological or spiritual teachings.  But I think the pope and other religious leaders simply want them and us to act more like Jesus in valuing the least among us, to realize that whatever we decide and do for them we are doing for God and for God’s sake.  On one level, it seems very simple: we should vote for what we believe will bring about better results in a world that suffers the existence of evil forces.

The purpose of the synod, discussions of participants, and recommendations to the pope, are to promote Christ’s mission and message within our world.  It is not an easy undertaking, but it may bear fruit over time.  In M. Scott Peck’s famous book, People of the Lie, published in 1983, the author makes a compelling case from a psychological and sociological perspective that evil exists in our midst, in individuals, communities, and institutions throughout society.  We see it particularly in ideological or extremist groups that fail to listen.  Pope Francis, above all else, via the synod, challenges us to listen, especially to the Holy Spirit.  If we do, we will hear the voice of the collective good and take the route that benefits more people in more ways.

As the synod ramps up while the national election heats up, let us pray.  Pray that good will overcome evil, that we and all humanity will become better listeners, that by our engagement in society we will bring about positive outcomes, that we will especially listen and respond to the Holy Spirit, that when we are faced with choosing the lesser of two evils we will respond with what provides greater good for all, and that we will value the dignity of human life at every age and stage so we can help usher in a more peace-filled world and more grace-filled church.