By Kateri Mancini | Diocesan director of Social Concerns
The general elections are over, Nov. 5 has passed. We have seen the end to one of the strangest and most unimaginable election seasons in memory. One filled with division, polarization, anxiety and dehumanizing rhetoric — from candidates and citizens alike.
But the truth is, that despite the election season being over, the work is not yet done. We have known for a long time that regardless of the results of this election, there would still be work to do in upholding our Catholic Social Teachings, living out our values of life and dignity, and furthering the Gospel messages of peace and justice.
We also have been aware that the uncertainty and even fear that comes with any time of transition, especially one as contentious and high-stakes as this presidential election, would not quickly or “magically” go away after the polls closed. And we recognize that, once again regardless of any outcomes of this election, there will be many real, and opposing, emotions felt throughout our communities.
We want to honor all of these realities. And in doing so, we believe that this post-November-fifth time is not an “ending,” but a beginning. It is a chance to re-commit ourselves to the hard work of advocacy, honoring others — including those with whom we differ and even disagree, and to striving for civility and common ground.
Amid the noise of the final stretch of the campaign season, we heard the Gospel for the 31st Sunday of Ordinary time, in which Jesus is asked the question, “What is the greatest commandment?”
After Jesus responded, “Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” he then added the even harder part — “Love your enemies.” (Mark 12:31).
Though the polls are closed, may our work be just beginning.
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Two Prayers for After Election
“A leader is someone with the power to project either shadow or light onto some part of the world and onto the lives of the people who dwell there.” — Parker Palmer
Let us pray.
God of light and love,
During this time of transition and change, we praise you that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Christ, you are the light of the world and in you there is no darkness at all. Let us be people of light and love—people who sow peace and not division—people who walk in the light as you are in the light.
May our ministry serve to reconcile and renew, to mend and not break the bonds of justice, charity and love of neighbor. Help us to remember, in the words of St. Mother Teresa, “…that we belong to each other.”
Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, fill us with the joy of the gospel—a gospel which beckons us to the side of the vulnerable, those who are struggling, those who are left out, lost and lonely.
May we find in you, God, an enduring hope.
Amen.
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Loving and Almighty God,
You who shaped and molded the world from the beginning of time, and continue to renew it each day,
We ask you to be with us now as we face these days following our nation’s elections.
Emotions are high and varied — for some joy and excitement, for others disappointment and grief. For many, anxiety, uncertainty and fear.
Hold all these emotions close to Your heart, Lord, and help us find a sense of peace and a renewed trust in You.
We pray for healing for those who ran for offices and lost. We pray for wisdom for those who ran for offices and won. We pray for guidance for those who are transitioning out of current roles.
And we pray for all the people of our nation. Lead us all with compassion and openness as we now strive to make a way forward together.
We pray for peace where there is division. We pray for tenderness where there is angst. We pray for reconciliation where there has been hurt.
Most importantly, Lord, we ask you to keep us ever mindful that our work is not yet done. Remind us that election day was not the end, rather a beginning in which what it means to be your Church remains true.
Regardless of the outcome, You continue to call us to advocate on behalf of our values and beliefs, to seek hope for the most vulnerable among us, and to help shape the common good for our communities, nation and world.
Commit us to love all our neighbors. Summon us to serve those most in need. Challenge us to uphold the dignity of all — including those with whom we disagree.
When this becomes difficult, Lord, offer us your courage.
Remind us yet again that you are the One who shaped the world from the beginning of time, and continue to renew it each day.
May this truth be the peace and trust we need as we move ever forward in Hope and Love.
We pray all these things through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.