Photo Gallery

Looking at Taiwan’s Presidential Election from the Perspective of the Gospel
◎Sr. Nonie Gutzler, MM

This year – 2004 – is a crucial one for the many countries of the world that will hold presidential elections. At this time, Christians are called to become even more aware of the demands of responsible citizenship and radical discipleship. As Taiwan’s Presidential election approaches it is incumbent upon us to actively engage our citizenship and discipleship as part of our discernment for choice of candidate on March 20th.
On February 21, the Justice and Peace group of the AMRSMW began this discernment process with a small gathering of interested people. The theological reflection of that afternoon began with a sharing of stories from the life experience of three of the members of the Justice and Peace group. These stories unfolded a process of reflection on Taiwan’s present situation with its struggles, sufferings, hopes and dreams. We became aware that good theological reflection takes place within our present historical context where we not only hear the Word of God but also act on it. All we do is to seen, understood and critiqued in the light of the gospel.

Our historical context is clearly seen from the poster which reflects the reality from which our theological and political choices emerge. This vision of Taiwan’s pluralistic society shows different ethnic groups and political parties gathered at the table of Jesus holding hands in a promise to “love one another.” Significant questions emerge: can these different people really come to love and respect one another? How does this love manifest itself when emotions run high in any discussion of politics which can threaten to disrupt the “harmony” desired by all? Our commitment to the Reign of God gives the courage needed to discern which candidate has a vision for our “Beautiful Island” and for the people, the problems, and the plurality that are its context. The gospel compels us to struggle through debate and discussion so that the soil of this land receives the best possible nourishment and grows fruit which is a reflection of the Reign of God.

A careful look at the situation in which Jesus found himself gives guidance for our discernment. Current historical Jesus research gives insight into Jesus’ times and society. Like us, Jesus also lived at a turbulent time in human history. Palestine was occupied land under Roman oppression. It was home to diverse ethnic groups as well as various political parties. Some wanted to uphold the status quo while others desired to drive the Romans out from Jewish land. For the poor and marginalized, inequality and injustice was a way of life to be endured.

The gospels clearly show that Jesus was fully aware of the suffering, dreams and hopes of his people for the future. Three major areas of Jesus’ ministry that are of particular interest for this reflection are: his “open table,” Jesus and the children, and the healing of the Gerasene demoniac.

Jesus’ “open table” is a theme song of the gospels. ALL are welcome at his table where there is no pride of place and all are equally accepted and loved. This table is a visible sign of the Reign of God among us! Theological reflection asks the following: does Taiwan have an “open table?” Do all who share this “beautiful Island” together feel they are an important part of this land? Do all feel “at home?” Are there memories – both personal and national – that need to be faced and healed so that there can be new growth from the soil? Which candidate can best foster this healing, this newness, which is a sign of the Reign of God among us?
Jesus’ love for the children is well-known (Mark 10: 13-16) as he blessed, loved, cared for and totally accepted these “little ones.” The children, who are close to Jesus’ heart, represent the “nobodies” of our society – the voiceless, the powerless, the marginalized – the ones to whom the Reign of God is specifically addressed. Theological reflection asks: who are the “nobodies” in Taiwan society today? Those from Taiwan’s various ethnic groups, foreign workers, foreign brides, etc.? Which candidate is most aware of these “nobodies” and their needs; which candidate can best address these issues and concerns?

Jesus’ healing of the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5: 1-20) is a powerful story for our reflection. This exorcism story takes place in non-Jewish territory. The pigs peacefully grazing on the land are destined to be food for the Roman oppressors. When the demons go into the swine and the swine then rush to the sea and drown themselves, the people are terrified and beg Jesus to leave their territory. In this we see something of the character of Jesus: he does not shy away from controversy and boldly confronts demons. Theological reflection dares to ask: is there something or someone “possessing” our minds, hearts, and thoughts — do we have a demon that needs to be driven out so that the needs of the nation and the leaders needed at this time of history are seen more clearly?

The early Christian community also struggled with issues such as these. They also were divided into factions. Saint Paul shows his concern about this in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1: 10-13). Struggling with issues is part of our Christian heritage. Facing the future with courage and hope is our inheritance. As the elections draw closer let us listen to how Paul addressed his situation and reflected on it in the light of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1: 20-31). Let us continue to talk, discern and pray about the election and not be afraid to face the issues and let the light of Jesus Christ and the Reign of God shine in and among us.

One Spirit/Feb./2004