Kyrie Eleison

I hope you read a article by Dr. Jeff Mirus, Discouragement and Faith at Catholic Culture.  I found it fruitful reading about this post-election period.  I have noticed a sense of peace in face of what has happened on several faithful blogs.  I suspect it has to do with why we take the stand we do.

During the election, I was full of energy and ready to stand for what I knew was right.  I prayed about the election at home, at Mass, with my family, in front of abortion clinics, in front of the blessed sacrament.  I pleaded with my family and others who are Catholic to remain faithful to the teachings of the Church.  I blogged and discussed and argued.  I spread the words of our bishops who stood up for the faith (how inspiring it was to see them stand) and wondered at the words and actions of others who claimed to be Catholic.  I ran after people whole stole our signs in defense of marriage or wondered at those who offered gestures of hate as we prayed for mothers and their unborn children as the walked into the abortion factory.  It seems like such a whirlwind now.

On election night itself, after all was done, I was at peace.  We had a friend over for dinner, and enjoyed the good company.  Dinner ended, and company left.  We finally turned on the TV in time to see McCain’s concession speech.  I did not stay up to watch the rest of the results – not because of bitterness, but from a calm that came from knowing we had done all that we could do.  The next day we learned that the country continues to abandon the unborn, but that marriage was defended -  even here in California.

It was not easy to stand this election.  There was a lot of hate flung at faithful Christians.  We were shouted down, ridiculed, had our rights violated, and called hateful things, but by the grace of God we did stand.  I am grateful for His strength and for the peace in my heart that has followed.

The struggle continues as we look forward, but we have a solace in the midst of the struggle.  Something that let’s us view the passing of all of this within a greater context.  The battle is the Lord’s – not ours.  When victory comes, it will be His victory.  We already know how this ends.

Praise God for all He has done and all He will do for his people. Amen!