Participation in public life and taking concrete actions for justice in one’s own sphere of influence were certainly key elements in the life of Jesus as recounted in the gospels. Whether he was engaging with Pharisees or Pontius Pilate, healing the sick, or restoring the ostracized to the community, Jesus ensured that God’s love and mercy were always his motivation and guide.
In our times, Catholic Social Teaching informs our efforts to follow Jesus’ example in our own politics. Pope Francis reminded us that, “We, Christians, cannot ‘play Pilate’ and wash our hands…We must participate in politics because politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good.”
As we turn toward election day in the United States on Tuesday, we who are connected through the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph can choose to embrace our charism of “Love of God and neighbor without distinction” in our decisions to vote, our choices for whom to vote, and our opting to participate in the elections process in our polling places and neighborhoods. And we can encourage others to do the same.
Some consider the right to vote to be a duty. Let us consider this concept of “duty” in light of our duty to God, as described by Sister Betty Mosselander, who reflected in 1983:
“Our duty is to proclaim by our lives with one another and with all those with whom and for whom we live that God is a God of mercy, of self-emptying, redeeming love.”
We pray for peace, safety, and the courage to be in communion with all those within our spheres of influence during election day and in the days to follow as results are finalized.
We pray for those among us who are serving as chaplains and observers at the polls on election day to ensure the safety and integrity of local elections.
We will continue to pray together during our post-election debrief and reflection session on November 5th. All are welcome! You can find details here: Election Integrity Debrief
May our efforts in the United States join with those of so many others around the world to reverence the dignity of every person and to prioritize the common good that is at the heart of God’s dream for the Beloved Community. Amen!
Sr. Deirdre Griffin, CSSJ, Esq.
Executive Director
U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph
