Where do we go from here?

Over the past months, we have experienced the democratic process for electing a president. As a result, President Barack Obama has been re-elected. We pray for him. We also need to pray for all our legislatures that they will seek to pursue the common good, and protect life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.

During this process, we have also experienced a tremendous amount of division and unfortunately as Catholic Americans we have not been spared this tragedy. A genuine question arises: Where do we go from here?

The answer to this question should be placed in the context of the Year of Faith. The purpose of the Year of Faith is to re-encounter the person of Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We are also called to focus our lives on His word both as individuals and as a community.

The Gospel at Mass the Thursday after the election found Jesus in the middle of the tax collectors and sinners on one side and the scribes and the Pharisees on the other. In a political context, this would mean He was found between the Right and the Left; Conservatives and Liberals. He did not encamp Himself on either side but took the opportunity to state His identity and mission. He presents himself as the Good Shepherd who left the 99 good people to seek out those who were lost and to reconcile opposing camps. Jesus gave His life for reconciliation and unity. As Catholics, I call us to do the same.

The faith journey of St. Paul brought him to this same mission as he dealt with divided communities, faced imprisonment, and combated false teachings. Toward the end of his faith journey and life he wrote in the letter to the Philippians, “For me, life is Christ and death is so much gain.” This must be our identity and mission as well to live our faith in Jesus Christ working for reconciliation and unity among all. In His final prayer on earth, Jesus prayed, “Father, may they all be one.” This is what God wants of us.

Very difficult and deep-seeded problems in our nation continue; however, let us strive to build communion rooted in the Eucharist and let us seek reconciliation among our brothers and sisters, at home, in our parishes, our communities, and even in our country.

My dear friends, there has been enough anger and division over the past months. As men and women of faith, let us set out anew in Christ Jesus and work for peace, truth, forgiveness, and unity. Doing so we will contribute to God’s will for the human family and every person’s deepest desire: that they all may be one.

May God bless you all and may God bless America.