*“Reality is the only thing we have that can possibly nourish hope. Hope is not based on the ability to fabricate a better future; it is grounded in the ability to remember with new understanding an equally difficult past–either our own or someone else’s. The fact is that our memories are the seedbed of our hope....And if that is true, then whatever we are wrestling with now can also be surmounted”. (Joan Chittister, OSB)
It is in reality that we at 8th day, like Joan Chittister, find hope. The impending elections are a reality that we see as a sign of hope. Through our elections we as individuals have the power to positively impact the people and policies of our government that have far reaching effects beyond the borders of this country. As Catholics and people of faith we need to insure that our voice is the voice for the voiceless and for justice. “In these times of terror and war, of global insecurity and economic uncertainty, of disrespect for the human life and human dignity, we need to return to basic moral principles.” (Faithful Citizenship,” USCCB, p.1)
We at 8th Day are providing a reflective and prayer-filled option in these weeks leading up to the election. Our plan is to present a vision of hope in a political climate that is too often ruled by fear and where the real issues are clouded. Each week we will send out a reflection focused on one topic which will include a prayer, reflection, suggested actions, and resources for further information and education. The topics will be as follows: Commitment to Human Life and the Dignity of each Person, Caring for God’s Creation, Economic Justice and A World without War and Violence.
Our goal through these reflections is to guide all of us through the next few weeks. Of utmost importance to us is to remain hopeful and to remind us that these elections are an opportunity for positive change for the future .
*Excerpted from Joan D. Chittister’s Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope, 2003
General Election Resources:
REFLECTION
ONE
HOPE
A series of reflections for the weeks leading up to the November
elections:
HOPE FOR A COMMITMENT TO HUMAN LIFE AND THE DIGNITY OF EACH PERSON
Prayer:
Spirit of God, Spirit of discernment and wisdom, be with each of us
and our country as we approach the upcoming national elections. Help
us to be people of hope that our voice and vote will make a difference.
Our country and our world are in need of capable leaders as never before.
In our discernment of leaders, let us this week reflect on each candidate’s
Commitment to Human life and the Dignity of each Person.
Reflection:
We as people of faith have heard the call toward a world where all
people are members of the community of life and the knowledge that “At
the center of all Catholic social teaching are the transcendence of God
and the dignity of the human person. The human person is the clearest
reflection of God’s presence in the world: all of the Church’s work in
pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the
dignity of every person.”(“The Challenge of Peace” #15)
As we approach this election we need to examine the policies of the United States to look critically at where and how human life and the dignity of each person are not being upheld as sacred. “Believers are called to be a community of conscience within the larger society and to test public life by the value of scripture and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Our responsibility is to measure all candidates, policies, parties, and platforms by how they protect or undermine the life, dignity, and rights of the human person– whether they protect the poor and vulnerable and advance the common good.” (“Faithful Citizenship,” USCCB, p.7)
ACTION SUGGESTIONS: Take one or more of the following actions this week as preparation for the election:
1. Spend time reflecting on each candidate’s position in the light of
this paragraph from the Pax Christi statement
“Called to Embrace All of Life”:
“The Catholic Church teaches that ALL life is sacred.
A candidate for office must understand that the Church stands against any
policy or course of action which diminishes life, dignity, or the rights
of the human person: abortion, capital punishment, war, scandalous poverty,
denial of healthcare, mistreatment of immigrants and racism to name but
a few. All are essential to a “pro-life” voter.”
2. Listen compassionately to someone whose views are different from your own.
3. Write a letter to the editor or e-mail a friend expressing your views.
4. Find a media source that is different from the mainstream media,
i.e,.British Broadcasting Company
(BBC) found on Public Broadcasting System (PBS), or Democracy Now,
found on National Public Radio (NPR).
Resources:
“The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response,” 1983, U.S.
Catholic Bishops #15
“Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility,”
a statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
“Called to Embrace All Forms of Life,” www.paxchristiusa.org
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” 1948, United Nations www.un.org