Dear Friends in Christ,
This Tuesday is Election Day. I’ve always thought it should be a national holiday. Our free and fair elections are the envy of the world as is our peaceful transition of power. Democracy and freedom are so important to us in the United States. However, these things do not come free and should never be taken for granted. We must be ever vigilant and grateful for the sacrifices so many have made to allow a government of the people, by the people, for the people to thrive. Maybe the greatest way we can do this is to take seriously our civic duty to vote.
We should also take some time on this special day for our country to pray. It is painfully obvious that there are serious divisions and disagreements about politics. We need to pray that we do not define or judge someone based on political party. Especially as Catholics we should recognize that the Gospel goes beyond the limits of political party. We have our hope in someone higher that cannot be labeled or put in a box. Our social justice teaching and moral theology challenge everyone regarding the welcome of immigrants, the fight against poverty and inequality, the protection of all human life from conception till natural death, the equality of gender, rejection of the death penalty, and the welcome we offer to all without discrimination based on race or sexuality.
Catholicism sees the answer to the problems in our country not through the lens of politics but through, with, and in Christ. As we do our duty as faithful citizens and vote, let us also pray for all to embrace the Gospel values of the true and eternal Kingdom of God.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Matt
