This last weekend my parents visited and we heard of the attempted assassination of former president and candidate Trump. In the end the assassination attempt wasn’t successful but there were others who were fatally and critically wounded. Although the politicking didn’t stop, there was a common agreement that violence is a terrible thing to bring into politics. It is my hope that the American people can take a step back from the heightened and polarized political landscape and enter this fall with a more discerning and peaceful spirit as we approach the elections. I thought it might also be a good idea to extend the theme and consider how we might want to engage ourselves in the election process as people of faith. The US Catholic Bishops wrote several instructional documents around forming our consciences and being faithful citizens. I encourage you to spend the time to read over their documents, articles, and resources. You can find them by searching for “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” on the usccb.org website or by inserting this URL in your web browser: https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-and-peace/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship I don’t want to repeat their teaching but add an additional thought. I realize that in the US, most people fall into the Republican or Democrat camp. One of the downsides to having two dominant political parties is the temptation to make one or the other party the sole basis for someone’s belief system. If that happens, one joins a camp, finds affiliation and identity within that camp, and assimilates their morals and values according to their particular camp. I believe that is a grave mistake as a person of faith and would like to offer an alternative approach. I’ll summarize it below: 1. Where do we begin? Where do we begin when it comes to the formation of our morals, values, and decision making? What forms us fundamentally in what we discern what is good, right, and just? For me the answer to that question is easy. Jesus and his teachings are first and foremost the source of my morals and values as well as the source of my decision making. 2. Application: The next step is that I consider and discern the various issues, policies, and political platforms according to what I have discerned to be most in line with my well-formed morals and values. 3. Ongoing Adjustment: As you probably realize, although Jesus’ teaching is consistent, politicians and political parties change greatly over time. That means that discernment needs to be considered and applied every time we vote. 4. Follow up: No matter which political party or politician you vote for, you will find that there will be several elements or aspects that do not align with your morals and values that have been formed by your faith. Once you have identified those variances, make it a point to contact the political entity and express that you would like that position or policy changed. 5. Finally: Finally, vote and engage in the political process. Advocate for what is genuinely good and in conformance with the authentic teachings of Jesus and his Church. Keep in mind that opposing views are not an excuse for expressing violence, hatred, or ostracization. Our prayers and engagement bless our politicians and our country. It is an imperfect world but if we are doing our part to be good citizens, we will help lead our country to cooperate with God’s plan and bless our country with his grace.