Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22)

In today’s world, we can’t help thinking, where is the divisiveness coming from?” We live in a society where “division” is so real. It’s no longer a cliche but it is a day to day reality because, unfortunately, there are some parts of the population who believe that hatred, anger, and division are much more efficient means for change than unity. If that is the case, I tell you, we are going to be in it for a long long time! :( As Catholics, we believe what St. Paul tells us in this passage that Jesus is the source of unity and peace. He binds the two formerly hostile groups— Jews and Gentiles together. The barrier that formerly divided them has been removed through Jesus Christ. The only way we can heal the wounds of division is to stand firm on our conviction to Christ. At times, we will stand out as different and challenging. For sure! We will become a threat to the secular world. You betcha! We will face rejection and persecution. Absolutely! Regardless of what happens, we are called to be strong and courageous in our day-to-day Christian living. Pope emeritus Benedict XVI reminded us, Christians in our own times, during the celebration of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist in 2012 that “we cannot give into compromise when it comes to our love for Christ, for his Word, for his Truth. The Truth is the Truth; there is no compromise. The Christian life requires, as it were, the ‘martyrdom’ of daily fidelity to the Gospel; the courage, that is, to allow Christ to increase in us and to direct our thoughts and actions.” 

How am I being challenged to be more open to God's guidance in my day-to-day living?

Why might I resist seeking God's guidance in the decisions I make?

Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.

We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,

Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender. We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (USCCB)

O Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, Patroness of the United States, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from every harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Hail Mary full of grace…

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX