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
Note: Archbishop Lori will celebrate a special 5:30 p.m. Mass for the Day of Prayer for our Nation and its Leaders Jan. 15 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. It will be livestreamed on the archdiocesan Facebook page and on www.archbalt.org.
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