Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

I started college in 1967 – a time of tremendous social upheaval. The Vietnam War had caused a tear in the fabric of our national conscience that still has yet to be healed. Then, of course, Watergate made us distrustful of all elected officials and politicians. Even in the Church during the 1970s and 1980s, anything traditional was held suspect. The consequence was that those who exercised authority lost their respect and position of honor.
 
Today, those in authority have to struggle. There is no longer the benefit of the doubt given to those who exercise authority. In some sense, it’s good to have oversight, but in another, there is a certain personal autonomy that is not helpful. There seems to be a suspicion that elected officials are out for themselves and not the community that they are elected to serve. Teachers in a classroom must deal with students who have little discipline in their homes; now teachers are expected to maintain orderly behavior in class in order to create an effective learning environment.
 
One group that is certainly in the cross hairs would be the law enforcement. They are established to preserve harmony in our society, yet are constantly under fire for exercising their authority. Some members of our society claim that we live in a police state while others claim that they fail to respond with sufficient force. It seems that law enforcement can never win.
 
Ultimately, they are here to serve us. They are the peacekeepers, forcing us to obey the law and providing us with the guidelines that allow interactions without resorting to conflict. An anarchist has little respect for anyone who fails to share their view. Yet a police officer must defend and protect the rights of those who reject the very laws that protect their actions.
 
Yesterday, I celebrated the annual Blue Mass at the Basilica of St. Josaphat. It was an opportunity to offer prayers for those who serve, have served and for those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
 
A police officer leaving his or her home in the morning must consider that he or she may be a target for the “crazies” in our society, or that they might have to act as a shield for the citizens who rely on their protection. Their families must hold their breath every time a shooting is reported by the media. Yet these men and women wear the uniform proudly as a member of law enforcement. Their mere presence is a sign that we are a civilized society.
 
True authority comes from God alone. Although it’s not the “Divine Right of Kings,” the thoughtful law enforcement officer realizes that they will be held accountable before God for the exercise of their authority; this understanding gives depth to their actions. If you see a police officer, say “Thank you” for their professional service and realize that their peacekeeping vigilance gives us ample opportunity to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 24, 2016 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.