A little over a month ago, Bishop Malesic issued a letter regarding voting and being a responsible citizen.  While we have placed it in the bulletin, I want to share one paragraph from it now…

“Before we are members of any political party, we must be faithful followers of Jesus, who told us “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 3:35).  So, it is incumbent on us who are believers to live our Catholic faith outside the walls of our Churches, putting Christ at the center of our public lives as citizens.  Our consciences must be well informed through prayer and fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.  Then we must vote our consciences, which I urge you to do, so that your Catholic faith will impact the moral and social fabric of our society.”

That first line is what it is all about.  Before we do anything, as beloved sons and daughters of God, we must find our identity in following Jesus.  St. John Paul the Great once said, “When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ who gives you the meaning of life.”  Christ reminds us of what our lives are made for—holiness.  As we are called to BE HOLY, we need to remember that St. John Paul the Great also stated that “true holiness does not mean a flight from the world; rather, it lies in the effort to incarnate the Gospel in everyday life, in the family, at school and at work, and in social and political involvement.”

While many people want to flee from the times we are in, we need to enter into church teaching and form our minds and hearts in Jesus.  We can impact the moral and social fabric of our society by bringing the Gospel to our voting booths.

I saw the sign above while driving by Guardian Angels Parish in Copley and had to take a picture and share it with you.  While I see many signs on the roads that claim that one or another candidate will save America, we know that there is only one person who can truly do that…Jesus Christ!  He is alive.  He needs to be followed courageously.  While I cannot support, endorse, or oppose candidates, political parties, or groups of candidates, I can encourage you to do this—follow Jesus!

Peace and blessings,
Fr. Jeremy

P.S. We will be praying a Eucharistic Holy Hour for our country on Monday, November 4 at 7:00pm.  We will listen to the Gospel, pray the Rosary and close with Benediction.  Let’s faithfully follow Jesus together!