Yesterday, January 6, 2021, as our elected officials gathered to certify the results of the election, the images from DC are disturbing and heart breaking. Reports this morning indicate four people died. While a record number of people voted in this election cycle, yesterday’s violence makes it clear, as a country, we still need conversion of heart.
Ongoing conversion of heart and way of life is the call of the Gospel. As disciples, we follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. As women and men who strive to live by Gospel values, we are called to witness, each day to the Gospel’s demand of love of God and love of neighbor. As Catholics, we are called to become what we receive, the Body of Christ for others.
For us, this can become a moment to remind ourselves of how we grow in God’s grace. Some highlights of how we grow in relationship with the Lord: prayer (personal and communal), acts of charity, a life of devotion, piety and virtue, frequent celebration of the Sacraments – especially Eucharist, and fidelity to God’s commandments.
I will continue to pray and reflect on what God is asking of me and to be more open to God’s grace. I encourage you, continue to be active disciples of Gospel love, men and women of prayer.
May God strengthen us to be beacons of light, especially in these moments of darkness.
Finally, I offer the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi for both prayer and as beautiful examination of conscience:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow charity;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; and
Where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
(https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayers-for-peace)
I/we are only ever a phone call away.
St. Genevieve, pray for us.
God bless,
Carl