By Father Bernard Holzer, aa
Today, the national election campaign officially begins.
It is time to take note of the programs of the various candidates and to confront them with the values we want to promote. For us Christians, to confront them with Jesus’ teaching.We therefore have a threefold obligation, namely:
- to take the time to know the programs and priorities of the candidates, know their teams (because nobody governs alone);
- to confront these programs with the values that are ours, with Jesus’ teaching and the teaching of the Church that actualizes it, in particular the "common good" (for this, I can meditate on the encyclical "Fratelli tutti" of Pope Francis); and
- to make a choice, to share it and to pray to the Holy Spirit in this time of discernment. Let us pray the Prayer for the 2022 National Elections:
Leader: Let us pray that the forthcoming national and local elections may truly reflect the will of the Lord who guides the destinies of nations.
For every petition, let us pray together:
Response: Deliver us, Lord.
From coercion, intimidation, violence and terrorism ...
From dishonesty, lies and all distortion of truth...
From bribery, graft and all conspiracy for fraud...
From gullibility to the deceptive and blindness of perspective...
From threats, intimidation and perverse language...
Leader: Let us pray together:
Response: Hear us, Lord
That conscience may always be our ultimate norm ...
That the common good may always be our highest goal ...
That human dignity may be respected all the time ...
That the poor and the weak may always have the priority ...
That care for creation may never be ignored ...
That solidarity may guide the path of peace and development ...
That genuine fear of God and love of neighbors may guide those who seek
public office ...
Leader: Let us pray.
Altogether: Shepherd of souls and Savior of the nations, politics is your gift to us, a call to serve others and grow in holiness. Guide our politics as you guide our lives. May our political engagement for voters and candidates bring glory to your loving name and help us grow in holiness, forever and ever. Amen.
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