Some Post-Election Thoughts

Details: 16 November 2012

Much ink has been spilled, messages and articles sent over the World Wide Web prior to the election regarding which issues were most important, namely the sanctity of innocent human life, marriage between a man and woman and the right of conscience in the public square. How about some post-election thoughts? The results of the election were stinging especially after the explicit attack on the Catholic Church.

One thing seems clear: the majority of Americans in some parts of the country lack true and proper love and respect for innocent human life. For those who are serious about knowing their scriptures, this should not be a surprise. What was the first recorded actual sin after the fall of our first parents in the garden? It was fratricide, the murder of Abel by his brother Cain – not lying, cheating, stealing, or a sin against purity, but the taking of an innocent human life. Presumably this was not the first actual sin after the fall but is the first recorded actual sin. It was this same gross lack of respect for innocent life that led to the murder of the Life itself and the Author of Life, Jesus Christ on the cross.

What now? What are true Christians to do, those who are Christians not just in name but in fact? How are we to respond? The answer is simple- prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners in a joyful manner. "Do all things without grumbling or questioning …. in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life" (Phil 2:14-15). When we practice our faith, which includes praying for the conversion of sinners in a joyful manner, two things happen. We become a light to others, and because of our prayers and penances, conversions are born. One of the holiest persons I know was involved in the sin of abortion. This individual’s sanctity is truly edifying to me personally. This person had a conversion because of the prayers and the penances of others.

In addition, when we cheerfully and joyfully offer up our sufferings it becomes apparent that though we are in the world, we are not of the world. We are members of a kingdom that does not belong to this world and Christ is our King who said before his death on the cross to Pilate, "My kingship is not of this world" (Jn 18:36). This is how we hold fast to the word of life (Phil 2:14-15).

I often ponder the reason individuals support Catholic Social Services. They do so for one reason, their love of God and neighbor. When one truly loves God, then respect and love of neighbor naturally follow, especially for the most vulnerable. Recently, I met with a group of 14 individuals who will be starting a sack lunch program in Lincoln with Blessed Mother Teresa as its patroness. At our first meeting, I told them I knew the only reason they were starting this new program was their love of Jesus and His presence in the hungry. I was most impressed by their enthusiasm, a needed post-election shot in the arm. Please keep this important new program in your prayers and be assured of ours for you! Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for us!