Now that the November election is over, the work has only just begun — not only by those we elected, but by all of us citizens.
Whether we liked the outcomes or not, we still have to make our views known to our elected officials. If they made promises we like, we have to hold them to those promises. If we didn’t like what they had to say, we have to make sure they hear our opinions.
Above all, we have to pray and work for liberty and justice for all people in our country. That means the unborn, children, families, young adults, elderly persons, the poor, the disabled, migrants, and refugees — everybody deserves respect, as our Catholic faith teaches us.
Below is a “Prayer After an Election” from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. I think it sums up our freedoms and responsibilities as citizens. How about praying it today!
Prayer after an Election
God of all nations,
Father of the human family,
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy
in these United States of America.
We ask for your protection and guidance
for all who devote themselves to the common good,
working for justice and peace at home and around the world. We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants,
those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,
those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord,
with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice
in the years ahead for all people,
and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
Amen.