We wrapped up production of The Monitor Magazine’s November issue on the eve of what has been aptly described as the most consequential election in this nation’s modern history.
It is a strange time, for sure, and finds our team here feeling like many across our country are likely feeling – exhausted and relieved that it is coming to a close; stressed out over what will follow; worried over how our nation can heal after all the acrimony; saddened by the lack of respect for human dignity that this campaign has revealed, and on and on.
Some Catholics may have been particularly frustrated and disturbed by the frequent utterances of the term “Christian nationalism” and the propensity of some Christian faiths to support one candidate over the other. Such strident political pressure undermines our call to political responsibility – to inform our conscience through the teachings of the Gospel.
And so, in these final hours before the election, we choose to remember what sets us apart from “Christian nationalists” and instead affirm what makes us Catholic Christians. We prefer – in this new issue of the magazine – to hold up the hard work and commitment of members of our Catholic community who help those in need and call upon others to do the same.
As is so often the case, a common thread can be found in the stories that populate the pages of this issue – the Catholic faithful serves God by serving one another and especially helping the most vulnerable among us. The Church invests significant effort and resources in that mission. This month’s IN FOCUS highlights what we are called to do and how some communities in the Diocese are responding to that call.
This collection of stories is by no means exhaustive. It is impossible to fully capture the many ways that the Catholic Church responds to those in need through our parishes, schools, social service agencies and groups of all sorts. Throughout the year, we share as many of these stories as we can in both the magazine and on the website, TrentonMonitor.com. But we readily and happily admit that the examples of love and service undertaken by Catholic Christians in this Diocese are seemingly endless.
Scripture tells us that the “love of Christ impels us.” To be truly Christian is to act in love, to reach out to all. It is to be a companion to a spouse, as our anniversary couples show us, regardless of how tough the challenges of married life might become. It is to respond to people who are isolated or hurting and find ways to help.
A few days ago we learned of an effort by the Peace and Justice Ministry in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, to have anyone who was interested take part in a 10-minute prayer video that they titled: A Call to Unity. It was intended to precede the U.S. elections, but it would have application at any point of the year.
This effort was intended to heal divisions, strengthen our resolve to act as a people of faith and bring our fears and strife to God.
That is who we are as Catholic Christians. That is what we do. We cast the hate and division aside and sow hope. We will respond to needs without asking who is worthy. As the Holy Father counsels, we will “not remain indifferent before the suffering of others.”
May God grant us each the ability to make a real difference in the lives of our sisters and brothers.
Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving and an blessed Advent.
Rayanne Bennett
And The Monitor team