THE TABLET
April 5, 2008

A Fall From Grace

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In recent weeks here in New York State we have witnessed historic events that will not be easily forgotten.  They are the stuff about which parables can be told and lessons can be drawn.  The resignation of Governor Spitzer and his acknowledgement of frequenting prostitutes for a number of years, and the shocking revelation from the new Governor Paterson that he and his wife have both had extra-marital affairs, bring a new meaning to public confession.  The fact of the matter is that we as a society, although almost everything is permitted, are not of the mind to forgive and forget.  Certain faults can be forgiven, especially if they are truly personal.  Unfortunately, public persons, elected officials and clergy alike, never act in their own personal capacity.  Though they serve the public in different capacities, they have a moral responsibility to live up to the demands of their office or vocation.

The language used by Governor Spitzer was especially telling.  His initial statement and his second statement seemed to emphasize that “my private failings with my wife” are private and are not to be considered public transgressions. However, he does admit, quoting the New Testament, whether he knew it or not, “that those to whom much is given, much is expected” (Lk 12:48). Those who serve the public have responsibilities that go beyond their private lives; they must be totally honest. 

The other unfortunate appellation that is leveled against the former Governor is that he was a hypocrite, since he was so aggressive in prosecuting transgressions of others while at the same time excusing his own.  It is particularly troublesome regarding the issue of prostitution, which some of his defenders tried to defend immediately as a victimless crime.  The fact of the matter is that Mr. Spitzer’s prior prosecution of prostitution discovered many victims, not the least of whom were women who were exploited, and the proceeds of the exploitation were diverted to other illegal and immoral activities.  It was reported that the syndicate that ran the prostitution ring frequented by the former Governor was heavily invested in pornography.  Unfortunately, there are those who advocate for the legalization of prostitution, which would entail the legalized degradation of women.  How important it is in our democratic society where all seems to be permitted that public morality should be regulated by law.  Unfortunately, public opinion could not be the determinant of morality or the only factor considered in establishing public laws to insure public decency.

Former Governor Spitzer used another interesting statement to describe his actions just after his initial admission.  He said: “In the past few days I’ve begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children and my entire family.”  Certainly, our hearts go out to his entire family and to him because they have been publicly exposed and shamed in this way.  How can one atone, however, for public sins?  To atone means to make amends.  It recalls the Jewish custom of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when observant Jews take that special day of the year to reflect on their shortcomings and sins and seek God’s forgiveness, as they fast and pray.  Jesus, too, was an observant Jew and kept Yom Kippur in anticipation of the Jewish New Year.  We have just finished the Season of Lent and we as Christians have endeavored to reflect on our own sinfulness and make amends and atone for our personal failings, which have implications for the whole community of the Church.

I am reminded by the incidents of the last few weeks that sin is hardly ever personal, without having effects on the entire community, one’s family and the public at large.  We truly are interrelated in the good and evil that we accomplish.  One headline said, “Spitzer’s Fall from Grace.” The parable of the Governor will remain in our minds for some time to come, and it should be a reminder that we too can fall from grace at any moment. The journey to regain grace, which is a relationship with God, occurs as we “put out into the deep” and seek again God’s presence.

During this Eastertide, let us keep in our prayers the former and present Governors and their families, that what is past and what is to come be for the greater common good for the people of our beloved state.