Praying For America

In the last few days, many churches in the USA have actively invited parishioners to pray for the presidential elections. Vigils in front of the Blessed Sacrament, rosaries and silent prayers during the night have taken place everywhere in the country. Rather than indicating names and parties, the Church has suggested Catholics a clear direction to recollect, pray from America and trust God. I have had a great anxiety for the election. In this divided and hateful campaign, the ethical issues arising from faith have been greatly diminished on both sides.

Last week, I found myself praying the rosary for both candidates while driving, with a sense of glooming distrust.  As soon as I finished, I looked at the car in front of me at the red light.  “Dieu Fait” (God does, in French), it was written in big letter in its license plate. Was it a suggestion from God? Could I put my trust in an unusual sign, in an unknown driver to communicate with God?  Not matter of the other driver’s intention, which I won’t ever know, this moment was a strong reminder that God has longer and better plans than human events and political candidates. Putting it in Gospel words, from the last Sunday reading,

God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.

Mankind has faced turmoils and disruptions through the centuries and will always do so. Jews and Christians and faithful people have faced persecutions and trials because of their convictions and moral standards. God is here, He will always be and He will never forget us. Praying is an active answer in time of confusion and anxiety to put temporal events in the bigger picture of eternity. May God bless America!

Written by: Stefania (PA)