NOTES for Ti1 2:1-7

Reading the news every day, we readily understand how important the prayer for others of which the apostle Paul writes is. Especially prayer for “those in authority,” those who make decisions affecting the destinies of peoples and perhaps of all humanity. It truly depends on them whether we will lead an earthly life that is “quiet and peaceful in all godliness and purity.” And we should not think that politicians of good will do not and cannot exist. The Gospel of Luke speaks precisely of such a person “in authority,” one who loves the people and whom Jesus Himself holds up to others as an example. World history offers other examples as well: holy kings, tsars, princes... A recent example is King Baudouin of Belgium... Let us pray together for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those rulers whom our peoples deserve.