Parish Bulletin Article: "Grace, Mercy and Love in our National Election": 11-20-16

            President Elect Donald J. Trump.

            What?!

            I would like to share some thoughts as a Catholic pastor in a big-time topic in our country.

            Jesus Christ is our King.  We Catholics and Christians are in God’s Kingdom both here on earth—which is not perfect through humanity—and in heaven.  Jesus already won the game and destroyed evil.  He died for us.  He rose again and opened the gates of heaven.  Jesus Christ is the only one who was both God and man and that is the rock of our faith.

            Here is a good question to pray, discern and think about: how much time do we speak about Jesus Christ versus this election?  

I will quote again what I spoke several weeks ago through my homily (26^th Sunday of Ordinary Time) from a faithful athlete: “[President] Obama can’t save us.  Ms. Clinton can’t save us.  Mr. Trump can’t save us.  The only one Who can save the heart of man is the Lord.”

I think that many parishioners in our parishes are either excited, or happy, or sad, or scared, or confused about this election.  Please consider some other thoughts. 

God’s eternal gifts through His kingdom offer each of us grace, mercy and love.  This is infinitely greater than our human leaders, countries or worldly communities.

Our Catholic and Christian brothers and sisters must walk together to Jesus Christ.  On the journey we must show our love to each other, even if we disagree.  Conversations, communication or friendship can serve each other through personal challenge situations.  But we should never judge or condemn others.  St. Paul wrote in Romans 2:3: “Do you suppose, O man, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God?”

We praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  As our King of your Kingdom, we ask to teach us to follow You.

God Bless.