We are living in a divided nation. Many are rightfully afraid that extreme polarization is tearing the fabric of our common humanity. We have observed growing intolerance of the free exchange of ideas, a right that has been enshrined in our founding documents. We have witnessed devastating, even deadly, results from this dangerous environment.
As Christians, we look to Christ to be our model and our hope in this time of distress and confusion. We look to him for salvation from all that would lead us away from our common good, which includes the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are given by God to all men and women who are created in the image and likeness of God. To take any of these rights away from even one person does a grave injustice to all of us.
That is why we will continue to work to defend the dignity of human life and pray that God will bring light to our current darkness. We will continue to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, a Gospel that can bring calm to every storm, knowing that the truth revealed to us in Jesus is the truth that will set us free. We remember his words to us in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” We also pray to the Lord for ourselves: we ask that he remove any evil thoughts, hatreds, prejudices, or glee at the pain of others that might reside in us. If there is to be peace on earth, it begins in our own hearts. We also recognize that peace is fragile, like life, and both must be encouraged and protected by all of us. Peace takes work that is fueled by prayer.
Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV recently urged us to “Remember that the mystery of Jesus, of his death and resurrection, is the victory of good over evil.” As followers of Jesus, we must never forget this. Jesus has died to set us free. He is the only savior we have who can lead us from death to life. We place our trust in him alone. With his assistance and using his example, may we all have the courage to remain faithful to his Gospel and to be agents of unity and peace, especially when the devil seeks to sow the seeds of discord, division and fear among us. Lastly, we hear Jesus say to us, “Forgive your enemies,” and “Love one another as I have loved you.” These are challenging statements to be sure, but they are not suggestions, they are the Lord’s way for us to find peace in our hearts and in our nation.