It has been a rough, harsh, and, in many ways, dispiriting presidential election campaign. So how about this idea: Before we vote tomorrow, we take a few minutes to reflect.
Suppose that, as individuals and as a society, we give the campaign a pause for a few hours and take a breath.
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Maybe some of us can stay away from our favorite sites and blogs for an entire day. We can rest our minds and emotions before we vote.
And, perhaps, if we are so inclined, even pray.
We might pray for the country facing a difficult choice.
We might pray for our own good judgment when we cast our ballots.
Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas has designated this day a day of prayer and fasting.
As a part of that, Bishop Thomas will celebrate a “Mass for the Nation” at 12:05 p.m. today at St. Francis de Sales Chapel, on Cherry Street.
A Rosary will be prayed before the Mass and Eucharistic adoration and exposition will follow the Mass.
In Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik has asked that every parish in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh be open all day today so that people can pray, in their own time and ways, for the country.
Bishop Zubik, in a televised statement, said that Christians have an obligation to take an “active part” in the public life of the nation, but also that each person has an obligation to mold, within himself, a “well-formed conscience,” which can serve as a personal “moral compass.”
Years ago, when cities were less dangerous and even thieves had respect for holy places, urban churches were commonly open during the day so people could stop in, just for a few minutes in most cases, to reset their compasses and be at peace.
Of course, a person can pray in a car. But it’s easier in a church, or a forest.
George Washington kept a homemade day book full of prayers by his bedside. Here is one that, perhaps, fits this day: “Bless the people of this land, be a Father to the fatherless, a Comforter to the comfortless, a Deliverer to the captives, and a Physician to the sick. Let Thy blessing be upon our friends, kindred and families. Be our Guide this day and forever ... ” To which both Democrats and Republicans, Clintonistas and Trumpeters, can say: Amen.
First Published November 7, 2016, 5:00 a.m.
