Dear Friends,
With the election taking place this week and so much turmoil taking place because of the acidity of the presidential campaign, I think it is good for us to remember a few things that we are taught in scripture and in our Catholic tradition.
Remember that all politics, all platforms and all leaders are temporary. All of these are passing away. Remember not to place your ultimate trust in any person, policy, party, movement, or nation because there is no nation with an eternal foundation. Remember what Jesus taught, that the kingdom is not of this world. We are in the world, but not of the world. When we make a decision we are to do so in the midst of prayer. We place our thoughts before God and ask God to guide our choices.
Remember that our work, our call from God is to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. Remember that we are to act like Jesus, not like the world. We are to love our neighbor and our enemy as Christ has loved us, seeking to bring justice, mercy, and lasting peace to everyone. Our family relationship with Catholics throughout the world comes before our fellowship with other citizens of this country. Our vision needs to be broad and not limited to narrow, selfish motives.
Remember that the kingdom of God is within you and that Jesus sets you free to vote for whomever your conscience dictates without anxiety or fear. Remember that our posture toward every human leader is respectful. Remember that resistance may be needed where ideas and actions oppose Christ and his kingdom, but that this resistance should be done in a peaceful manner.
Remember that every human being is made in the image of God and carries with them that dignity. That even when we disagree with family members and friends in the decisions they make that we should search for the goodness that is motivating their choice. St. Ignatius taught his companions that they should always presume the good in the choices and actions of others. Their choice may be imperfect but it was probably motivated by the good. Remember to be slow to judge and quick to forgive.
Remember to be grateful to live in a democracy; to participate in our government. Remember that our vote should always be to help and protect the poor, oppressed, and defenseless as Pope Francis has been teaching. Helping those who might not have a vote or a voice.
Remember that God continues to work through history to draw all things to a good and fitting and proper end with justice and mercy. Remember that God is the final victor and nothing is greater than God.
Amen.