It is a place in which we are baptized, confirmed, taught, cleansed, married and buried. Because it represents God, we blame it when things go wrong, criticize it when it does not share our opinions, and condemn it when it falters. The result can be a parish that houses factions, referees dissensions and spends precious time merely keeping the boat from capsizing. There is no progress forward to give courage, or digression backward to signal danger. Shepherd and sheep end up matching wits to survive.
Family living on the national level is shaky and uncertain.
Leaders are mistrusted, political office has become synonymous with cheating, bribery and lies. Sinful enterprises are condoned under the guise of freedom. Abortion and euthanasia are mere debates over heated questions. Political pressure rather than a deep desire for the right to life, ultimately decides the answer, formulates laws and rationalizes sin. Fear of the decisions of those in office creates a cold war between governments and the citizens of those governments.