Posted on 01/11/2021 4:02:03 PM PST by ebb tide
Jan. 9, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
The violence that erupted in our nation’s capital last week was shocking. People asked, “Is this really happening?” “Is this the kind of country we have become?” Sadly, our nation is divided now more than at any time since the Civil War. Political divisions are nothing new. Bitter partisan debate is nothing new. Political passion is nothing new. But a direct physical attack on members of the Congress is unprecedented and must never happen again. People died and were wounded in the attack. So too was our democracy wounded. We must not allow it to die.
Leaders must be aware that their words and deeds have far-reaching consequences. As Theodore Roosevelt famously said, the presidency is “a bully pulpit.” That pulpit must never be used, directly or indirectly, to inflame blind passion. It should be used to unite our nation, in all its diversity, around its highest ideals. As believers and citizens, we must insist on this. And we must back up our insistence by working hard in our circle of influence to instill a newfound spirit of respect in our society – respect for the views of others, respect in speech, a willingness to listen and to dialogue, a renewed search for common ground. As Pope Francis commented today, “Understanding is fundamental because it is the only way in which to find a remedy.”
Christians have always prayed for society and for civil authorities. Writing to his co-worker Timothy, St. Paul urged that prayers be offered “for kings and all those in authority” (1 Tim. 2:2). If ever there were a time when we need to pray for our nation, this is it. We should do so as individuals, but might I also recommend that we try to do something together, as a family of faith?
My suggestion is this: In our Tradition, Friday is a penitential day. Let us make this coming Friday, January 15th an Archdiocesan Day of Prayer for our nation and its leaders. Although we cannot readily come together because of the pandemic, we can observe this day very simply by offering prayers such as the Prayer of St. Francis or the Rosary. Included here are links to the USCCB website that include prayers for peace and civil authorities that Pope Francis and his recent predecessors composed. We might also perform some sort of penance such as skipping a meal. Would it not also be a good day for reconciliation with a person who has offended us?
While we are at prayer, let us also remember that our elected officials in Annapolis begin their legislative session this coming Wednesday, and join others around the state in praying the Maryland Catholic Conference’s prayer for elected officials.
If you don’t mind, I have one further suggestion. The vigil of the inauguration is Tuesday, January 19th. Why not take time to pray for those who will assume leadership? I would suggest we offer the prayer of our first Archbishop, John Carroll, for Civil Authorities, and I include a link to that prayer.
Thank you for reading this brief message. Please count on my prayers for you and please don’t forget to pray for me.
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore
Francisbishop Barf Alert Ping
The Catholic Church did nothing to oppose the anarchy, destruction and death we experienced since May. There may be faithful Catholics but they are led by heretic clergy who are marxist politicians.
Where was this asshat all summer?
Nice try and thanks for playing!
Peace is when there is no longer opposition to communism.
Justice is when all wealth has been redistributed.
The country was on fire for half the summer... and we saw bishops call out for understanding the rioters... now someone breaks some glass in DC and it’s time for wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Where are the faithful Catholics...hiding and silently praying the rosary while commie thugs take over.
Thanks a lot
I almost wretched when I saw this in my mail last week.
To: Ab Lori - Sorry, but without the fullness of truth, neither peace nor justice are possible.
In any event that is not a formula leading to peace and justice.
80 million people voted for Donald Trump. It is a large part of our country (I would argue that it is the majority part of the country, but, well...). The left wants THAT part to just shut up and let the left do what it wants to do. We are in a country that is almost literally split 50/50, but do you think that will temper their agenda one iota? No, me neither.
Republicans have been historically docile. We cave, we give in, we prefer to rely on debates and elections...The Democrats really do pine for the days when Bob Michel and the rest of the Republicans 'knew their place'. We were supposed to be the Washington Generals to their Harlem Globetrotters. God forbid someone on the Generals were to point out that all of the games are rigged for the Globetrotters.
One small show of anger (after having their voices quashed for two months), and the left blows a gasket. Spare me.
But the pro-slavery, Democrat attacker back then was a member of Congress himself.
Caning of Charles Sumner
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_of_Charles_Sumner
Piece of what?
This Archbishop doesn’t know his altar from a hole in a ground.
the rosary is not just repetion. Neither are the Novenas repetitions. Each section has a special meaning to contemplate Jesus’ life and as a way to connect with God while praying.
I guess Amen and Halleluja and endless “Praise Jesus” are vain repetitions too.
this scripture was for the Pharasees who considered public and frequent saying the prayers more important than heartfelt meditation on the life of Jesus.
guess some evangelicals are more focused on form than intent and devotion...God is not worried about style as much as he is about our true beliefs and feelings.
Now that i have alienated everyone..flame away
Orange Man Bad, etc...
Very profound.
Isaiah 48:22
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
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