On this Election Day in the United States, Catholics find ourselves in our bind. No one candidate or political party fully represents our shared commitments, as expressed in Catholic Social Teaching, in all their depth and breadth. So what are we to do?
Today’s first reading reminds us that Jesus “did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited”; rather, he “emptied” and “humbled” himself, becoming obedient to death.
As we peruse our ballots, we might consider which candidates are most likely to be humble servants, and which are in it for their own glorification. We might ask God to help us “have the same attitude” as Jesus as we prayerfully consider the effect the policies we endorse will have on the poor and vulnerable among us.
We may invoke the intercession of Jesuit Blessed Rupert Mayer, who stood up to the Nazis and ministered to the people of Munich. Help us, Lord, have the courage today to do what we know is right.
—Dan Dixon, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA.
Lord, what You will let it be so
Where You will there we will go
What is Your will help us to know
Lord, when You will the time is right
In You there's joy in strife
For Your will I'll give my life
To ease Your burden brings no pain
To forego all for You is gain
As long as I in You remain
REFRAIN:
Because You will it, it is best
Because You will it, we are blest
Till in Your hands our hearts find rest
Till in Your hands our hearts find rest
—Prayer of Blessed Rupert Mayer, SJ
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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