“Man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7b)
4th Sunday of Lent (A)
The passage from 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a speaks of God’s selection of David as the next king of Israel. It emphasizes that God does not judge by outward appearances, but looks at the heart. In the context of George Santos lying on his resume when running for political office, this passage emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity.
New York Congressman George Santos is facing calls to resign from fellow Republicans after CBS News obtained a resume he used during his election campaign that contained “numerous fabrications.” The resume claimed that Santos had a GPA of 3.89 at Baruch College, which he never attended. It also claimed he had ranked in the top 1% of his class. Four GOP congressmen, along with the Nassau County GOP chair, have called for Santos’s ouster. However, the congressman, who is also facing questions about his campaign funding, remains defiant.
In the case of George Santos, his dishonesty on his resume raises serious questions about his character and fitness for office. If he is willing to lie about his credentials, what else might he be willing to do in order to advance his interests?
Just as God saw through outward appearances and chose David based on his heart, the voters in George Santos’ constituency should be able to see through his lies and evaluate him based on his character and qualifications. Lying on a resume is an act of deceit and dishonesty, which are not fitting for a political leader entrusted with the public’s trust.
George Santos has a unique opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to serving his community. By apologizing sincerely for his deceitful actions and making a concerted effort to repair the damage he has caused, he can show how dedicated he is to building trust and restoring hope within the community. By taking these steps, George will be able to prove the strength of his character and prove that despite any missteps in the past, he is still committed to making a positive contribution.
Only then can he be considered a credible candidate worthy of the public’s support.
Just as the Lord ultimately chose David, the youngest and seemingly least likely of Jesse’s sons, to be king, we should not underestimate the potential of those who might not fit the mold of a typical politician. Perhaps there are other candidates in the race whose accomplishments or experience are not as impressive as Santos’s, but who possess qualities of honesty, humility, and genuine concern for the well-being of their constituents. These are the kinds of leaders we should seek out and support, regardless of their background or appearance.
SOURCE: Text was written, in part, by Artificial Intelligence
