18/10/2026
The following themes were explored in today’s homily.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Similarly, Section 116 of the Australian Constitution provides that “the Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth.” These provisions protect religious freedom while also limiting the government's ability to impose religious observance. Religious freedom encompasses not only the right to hold personal beliefs but also the freedom to practise and express those beliefs publicly. Moreover, the historical relationship between religion and public life in the United States is illustrated by President George Washington's proclamation of 26 November 1789 as a national day of thanksgiving and prayer, encouraging Americans to express gratitude to God for His providence and the establishment of their new government.
In today's first reading (Isaiah 45:1, 4–6), we hear of Cyrus the Great, a Persian ruler in the sixth century BC. Following Persia's conquest of Babylon, Cyrus permitted Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Scripture describes God working through Cyrus despite his not knowing or worshipping the God of Israel. This illustrates that God can accomplish good through political leaders who do not necessarily share the religious beliefs or moral ideals of His people. Some Christians have drawn comparisons between Cyrus and a particular President, suggesting that God may work through contemporary political leaders despite their personal shortcomings. However, the biblical account does not establish that such leaders have equivalent divine appointments, nor does it exempt them from moral scrutiny. Christians remain responsible for evaluating political leadership against principles of justice, integrity and human dignity.
Finally, the homily challenged us to recognise that what is legal is not necessarily what is moral. Although laws can encourage justice and discourage wrongdoing, they cannot compel genuine goodness or love. We are therefore called to develop and follow a well-formed conscience, guided by the teachings of the Church. In particular, Catholic social teaching challenges us to uphold the dignity of every person, care for God's creation and practise subsidiarity. This principle holds that decisions and responsibilities should be undertaken at the lowest level capable of addressing them effectively, with higher authorities providing support when necessary. Together, these principles remind us that living a moral life requires more than simply obeying the law; it calls for personal responsibility, compassion and a commitment to the common good.
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