Sunday, October 27, 2024

My bulletin reflections have always been on the Sunday readings.  Given the importance of the upcoming election, I am making an exception this time, using a reflection that is also in the November Pius Press, which you should receive this week. 
 
Pope Francis has urged us not to be a one-issue voter, but to use Catholic social principles to evaluate candidates, since no one candidate or agenda is perfectly aligned with our principles. As we decide whom to vote for, I invite us to reflect on the qualities of the Church we name in the Creed, qualities which capture the gist of Catholic social principles: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
 
one
Bringing about peace and unity is central to living our faith.  We need leaders who will lead us to unity, not divide us.
 
holy
Holy is used in the sense of living Gospel values, that is, showing love of God through love of neighbor, especially the most vulnerable.  Some of the most vulnerable in our society are those in danger or great need, for example the unborn, refugees, immigrants, homeless, unemployed, etc.  We need compassionate leaders who will help us protect all those who need protection.
 
catholic
It is important to notice that “catholic” is NOT capitalized in the creed.  It does not mean “Catholic” in the sense of a denomination, but rather “inclusive” or “open to all,” the literal meaning of “catholic.”  We need leaders who realize that they are responsible for and to all people, no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, or any other factor.
 
apostolic
in our faith context, this means we go out of ourselves to bring Christ to others.  For our leaders, it means they are not just concerned about themselves, their image, or their welfare, but that they promote policies that actively seek to reach those in the margins and provide the help that is needed. 
 
It is a serious responsibility to vote: please do so.  And as you evaluate candidates, please remember that we are looking for candidates who align with our Catholic principles and do their best to achieve them, candidates who promote unity, concern for all the vulnerable, and inclusivity.
 
In addition to voting, let us pray for our country in these final days before the election, that we may have a peaceful election and transfer of power.  God bless.
 
Church sign: God gave us free will to use for the common good.