Election Reflection 2, Scripture

Exploring Scripture:

Opening Prayer:

Lord Christ, help us to see what it is

That joins us together, not what separates us.

For when we see only what it is that makes us different,

We too often become aware of what is wrong with others.

We see only their faults and weaknesses,

Interpreting their actions as flowing from

Malice or hatred rather than fear.

Even when confronted with evil, Lord,

You forgave and sacrificed yourself

Rather than sought revenge.

Teach us to do the same by the power of your Spirit.

--William Breault, SJ

Leader: The United States Catholic Bishops state, “the application of Gospel values to real situations is an essential work of the Christian community. Christians believe the Gospel is the measure of human realities. However, specific political proposals do not in themselves constitute the Gospel.” (from, Political Responsibility)

Before proceeding a brief word: Discussions of politics, especially when they involve the relationship between politics and religion can become very heated. It is important to recognize that “the Church’s social teaching is neither liberal nor conservative. It seeks simply to be faithful to God’s call.” Therefore, we should “carefully avoid the appearance of being partisan or ideological. The key is to” remain faithful to scripture and the Church’s social teaching. “people of goodwill might see complex social issues differently. Each of us should strive to be faithful to the teachings [of the Church] and respectful of others in discussing issues. The Second Vatican Council taught, “Very often the Christian vision will suggest a certain solution in some given situation. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that some of the faithful, with no less sincerity, will see the problem quite differently…Let [people], then, try to guide each other by sincere dialogue in a spirit of mutual charity and with anxious interest above all in the common good.”

Activity: Make sure you bring Bibles, or have your group members bring a Bible or Christian Scriptures (New Testament). Use the sheet below to identify principles from Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel which would frame your decision on what stand to take for each of the following issues. Look through the Gospels and as a group find and discuss passages which can illuminate how Jesus may have approached some of the challenging issues which face us in today’s world. It is not necessary to go down the list one by one, rather invite participants to look through the Gospels, as they come up with a passage relevant to any one issue allow them to offer it up for reflection. As a group draw conclusions and take notes on the handout to guide final reflections.

Applying Jesus’ Values to Today’s Issues

Issue: Scripture Passages and Principles:

Minimum wage

Jobs:

Low-income housing:

Universal health care:

Abortion:

Capital punishment:

Welfare/welfare reform:

Discrimination/racism:

Education:

Immigration:

Arms control:

Euthanasia:

Environmental stewardship:

After completing the exercise allow time to discuss conclusions.

Leaders: Use the following questions to stimulate, or guide final reflections, if necessary:

What challenges do the actions and words of Jesus offer to our elected officials during the campaigns? After the election?

How can we adhere to the message of Jesus in our words and actions during an election year? After the election?

What is our responsibility, according to the message of Jesus, in regards to these issues?

How can we best apply the conclusions we have drawn to today’s world?

Intercessory prayer: (Pass around allowing all to read a petition, until completed)

The response is: Lord, hear our prayer.

For leaders around world, that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For all citizens of the United States, that our participation in the upcoming election may lead to a world of greater respect for life and commitment to justice and peace, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For Christians throughout our nation, that the values of our faith may guide us as we exercise our responsibility as voters, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For those who serve in elected office, that they may lead with courage and wisdom, reflecting the Church’s teaching that the moral test of our society is how the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable are faring, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For those who are suffering from poverty and injustice, that our decisions this election year may lead to policies and programs that help them live in dignity, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For the members of this community, that we may find ways to help build a world of greater respect for human life and human dignity, we pray to the Lord. . . .

Closing Prayer: Leader:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

--St. Francis of Assisi