God said to the Israelites exiled in Babylon: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:7). This verse reminds us that, no matter what our circumstances may be, we are called to be faithful in prayer and service to others, even those who persecute us.
Our own communities are the places where we have real agency, because it is here that we best understand the actual problems and can work with others to implement solutions.
Politics is the work of ordering the common life of the city. In that sense, it is also, as recent popes have said, one of the highest forms of charity because it serves the common good.
Faithful citizenship is especially important at a time when the ambient culture is hostile and public life seems broken. Much like Daniel and his companions in Babylon, we grow in faithfulness by a willingness to serve even the inhabitants of a pagan city. We must work for our well-being and theirs but never waver in faith. In doing so, we may one day be welcomed into the heavenly city.
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JASON ADKINS is executive director and general counsel of the Minnesota Catholic Conference and a member of Blessed Theodore Romzha Council 17596 in Minneapolis.








