Reflection
Maybe yesterday our nation was shocked back to sanity. Perhaps the appalling sight of the US Capitol being attacked by angry hordes will make us realize the dangerous path we have been on. Yesterday was the culmination of an alternate reality and false information emanating from one man’s ego, abetted by his enablers, spread by a section of the media and absorbed by a large part of our citizenry. It demonstrated the dangerous power of leadership. It clarified how far we have been separated, how fragile our democracy is, and how easily we can be manipulated. And it played out against a backdrop of integrity sacrificed to ambition in Congress. It was sobering and it was frightening. Yesterday gave a clear message. It is time for reality and accountability. We no longer have the luxury to mince words or ignore evil. Truth is truth and lies are lies and it makes a difference. We need to be brutally honest with ourselves. about our priorities. It is a time to think, to listen, to choose and to change, and to be willing to work toward healing. To do otherwise is perilous. May yesterday’s chaotic and depressing events be both an ending and a beginning.
Clara Santoro, CSJ
Prayer
May God bless and heal America.
Action
Soberly reflect on the events of yesterday. Assess them honestly. Where are you in this? What can you do to make a positive contribution? With whom can you join?
Suggested Reading
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
Proverbs 10:9
It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good. Thus will they be able to marshal the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace.
Pope Francis
Today is a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile and to preserve it requires people of good will, leaders with the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to the pursuit of power or the personal interest, pursuits of their own selfish interest at any cost, but of the common good.
Joseph Biden
Let us put an end to our self-inflicted wounds. Let us remember that our national unity is our most priceless asset.
Gerald Ford
At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.
Jesse Jackson
We are all one – or at least we should be – and it is our job, our duty, and our great challenge to fight the voices of division and seek the salve of reconciliation.
Roy Barnes
To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.
Theodore Roosevelt
In this decisive hour of our national history, union means life and division means death.
Bao Dai
It’s when we care for each other – choosing inclusion and love over division and hatred – that this great country is at its greatest.
Tulsi Gabbard