As we watched the appalling chaos in the U.S.Capitol on Wednesday evening (Jan 6th 2021), we witnessed an icon of democracy occupied and hostage to mob rule.
The procession of violent images was deeply troubling.
Particularly disheartening is that this event unfolded amid a deadly pandemic,
a terrible plague that any nation should face in solidarity.
The events of Wednesday are a graphic exposure of the deep and advancing polarization
in American society that has festered for years.
This divisiveness disregards faith, justice and the rule of law.
As shocking as it may be to glimpse how disordered this nation has become,
the terrible truth is that no nation is immune from moral and social decay.
I say this in the beginning of the eucharist on the feast of the baptism of our Lord:
If we wish to claim it, we Catholics have a legacy that is crucial to the healing of a nation.
Our faith includes a commitment to mutual respect, dialogue, and the principles on which democracy is based.
We must come together as one humanity under God, who loves and bestows dignity on all.
The person with whom we may vehemently disagree is also a beloved child of God – “This is my beloved child” says God in today’s gospel.
For two millennia, our faith community has tried to live the teachings of Jesus.
We are at our best when we put others first, with the common good as our guiding star.
Let us join with all people of good will in a choice for peace during this arduous time.
We pray for our Savior’s protection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Let us call God’s presence upon us here in All Saints, upon all the nations of the Earth.
cf. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin on http://www.thechurchofsttheresa.org/