Brothers and sisters in faith, our country is living through a difficult season. Political divisions run deep. Too often, as we have recently seen very publicly, the anger that comes with disagreement spills over into hostility and violence that leads to death. As Christians, we must be clear: political violence is a sin. It denies the dignity of the person, it destroys the peace we are called to build, and it betrays the gospel of Jesus, who told us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

It is not wrong to disagree about political issues. In fact, thoughtful respectful debate can be a healthy part of democracy. However, when our differences turn to hatred - when we begin to see one another as an enemy to be destroyed rather than a fellow human being made in God’s image - we have lost sight of Christ’s way.

Each time we make the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of our prayers, the cross reminds us that violence is never the answer. Jesus did not respond to betrayal, false accusation, or injustice with violence. He chose love, forgiveness, and truth. That same choice is being asked of us today.

What can we do personally? One simple but powerful step is this: examine our words. Before speaking, posting or sharing, ask: Does this build up or tear down? Does this reflect love, or does it sow division? Choosing restraint, respect, and kindness in our speech is a way of disarming the cycle of anger. It might seem small, but these small acts of peace ripple outward. If enough of us commit to responding with dignity, respect, and prayer instead of hostility, then we become a leaven of hope in a divided nation. Let us pray for peace in our country, for healing across divides, and for the courage to witness to the gospel of love even when it is hard.

I invite us all to take this prayer and place it where we will see it, and pray it each day. We need peace and civility in our nation.

A Prayer for Peace in Our Nation - Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. You teach us to love our enemies and pray for those who oppose us. Heal the divisions in our country. Forgive us when our anger turns to hatred and when words and actions cause harm. Give us courage to choose peace over violence, truth over distortion and love over fear. Make us instruments of your peace, in our families, in our parish, and in our nation. We commit ourselves today to speak with respect, to act with kindness, and to work for the dignity of every person. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us. Amen.

Let us pray for all who have lost their lives to political violence. May they be resting now in true peace, God’s peace.

Have a safe and good week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish