Posted on October 25, 2020 View all news
Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus!
Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ!
Remember that election day is November 3. As I stated last week, it is of grave importance that we each take part in this civic duty, inform ourselves, and otherwise vote for the candidate who will best promote the common good and uphold the rights of the family, the Church, and God. While it has become a popularity contest in so many ways, we must, above all else, consider a candidate’s and an issue’s position and priorities. We must do this not only at the national level but also at the local level. The nicest person may not always be the best candidate, and almost always, our national candidates have begun first at the local level. So study the issues, know the principles of the Church, and vote accordingly. This is an important responsibility we have been given, and we should treat it as such.
Paramount today is the issue of life. Without the right to life, we would have no other rights. If the basic right to life didn’t exist, why does freedom of speech, assembly, due process, or any other rights matter? Yes, there are plenty of issues that have to go into the fundamental right to life and to ensure that we seek to raise each person’s quality of life, but life must come first. If there is no right to life, then there is no right to a quality life. It becomes a logical fallacy. So certainly consider a candidate’s position on life, even at the most local level.
Another issue that needs to be taken into consideration is how anti-Catholic some candidates have been becoming. In 2016 the Clinton campaign had emails that openly mocked Catholics for being too conservative and backward. They openly mused of a Catholic springtime, planting the seeds of revolution within the Church. These would be the same people who would insist that the Church remain out of the State’s matters who then openly discussed how to influence change within the Church to fit their prerogatives.
This anti-Catholic bent has not changed. Candidates today openly express anti-Catholic bigotry. They do not want Catholics who are faithful to the Church to be involved in public life. Even groups like the Knights of Columbus are branded as extremist, and membership in the Knights makes one suspect. Even as the Constitution forbids religious tests for positions in government. Catholics must demand better, especially from Catholics who currently serve in government. Even as the Church strives to assist the world’s poorest and promote peace and justice, this will never be enough for them until the Church embraces contraception, abortion, and homosexuality. So know if a candidate has expressed anti-Catholic views, especially regarding our participation in civic life.
Lastly, remember that no candidate is perfect. We believe that every election is the most important. All while the country becomes more and polarized. We are not fortunate enough to have God running for office, so we must choose between candidates who are just as flawed as human beings as we are. Remember that. We so often raise politicians, entertainers, athletes, and others to the level of mini-gods. In the end, we are all flawed. So give your vote to the best candidate based on the issues rather than popularity and likability, which applies at all levels.
Lastly, I wanted to inform everyone that Raymond Fredette discerned out of the Oratory last week and has left the novitiate. We certainly pray for Ray as he begins this new chapter in his life, and we hope to see him around from time to time. Have a blessed week ahead, and please sign up for our afternoon adoration hours on November 3!
