"Brothers and sisters: Have among yourselves the same attitude
that is also yours in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 2:5
Although I am writing this more than a month in advance of the day it will be circulated, I think I can safely conjecture that upper most in many readers' minds will be "Today is Election day 2020!" In our liturgy, today we celebrate the memorial of St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian monk (1579-1639) who never left his monastery in Lima, Peru, but traveled all over the world through the gift of bilocation. Martin grew spiritually through his service to the sick and the needy. He is credited with treating all people regardless of color, race or status. He offers us a worthy example of forgiveness as revealed in Pope John XXIII remarks at Martin's canonization: "He excused the faults of others. He forgave the bitterest injuries, convinced that he deserved much severer punishment on account of his own sins°. He deserves to be called "Martin of Charity."
This is the mind set (I believe) we need to have today, National Election day: love all, consider our own failings and pray for those committed to the welfare of others through service of elected officials AND our own failure to participate in effecting fair and just legislation.
What have I done, through the democratic process, to preserve the rights of all God's people?
God, I pray, direct my heart and mind to have the same attitude that is also Yours in Christ Jesus.
Reflection by:
Sr. Roberta Bailey, OSB
Did You Know...
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, is currently the prioress (president) of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo. Sister serves on the diocesan Commission for Religious. She is the former principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida, and Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida. Sister Roberta is celebrating her 61st year in religious life.
