I'm sure that it's just coincidental that the Republican National Convention (in Milwaukee Wisconsin) and the 10th National Eucharistic Congress (in Indianapolis, Indiana) are meeting on some of the same days this week. There is no doubt that one will have to look much harder and longer to find out what's going on at the Eucharistic Congress versus the happenings in Milwaukee. By the time most of you read this, both events will be over and there will be a strong push toward looking to the future. Before speaking about this, let me ask and answer a couple of questions about these events and reflect upon the answer to each. (Realize that when it comes to the political convention, the same could be said about the democratic convention with names being the obvious difference).
Firstly, who is the focus of these two events. In the case of the convention it is of course Donald Trump, the nominee on the Republican side of the presidential ticket. There will be much said about him that is meant to build up a strong fervor among those attending and all voters throughout the country to support and elect him to be the next President of the United States. In the case of the congress the focus will be on Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Lord of heaven & earth and on his REAL PRESENCE in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is hoped that a fervor for Christ will be stirred up and carried on and back to Catholic dioceses throughout our country as we begin the third year of renewal where emphasis will be on "Mission". Unlike Trump or Biden or any other candidate, Jesus Christ does not have to prove himself worthy of ours and others support. His presence in our world over 2,000 years ago, what he taught and did, and his greatest act of love, going through his passion, death, and resurrection solidifies his worthiness to receive our greatest allegiance to him not for four years (as would be asked for an elected president of this or any country), but for the rest of our lives. Voting in political elections should, in my opinion, always be about who (among those offered) will best promote the ways and goals of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the benefit of the common good.
Secondly, both of the events will stress the importance of unity (among citizens and Catholics respectively). I know I can say with confidence that the unity that is the work of the Holy Spirit and "Spirit-filled" believers is much more possible among believers in Jesus Christ than between people on either side of the political spectrum. When we ask for and cooperate with the Holy Spirit individually and in groups of people, we can be confident that the results will bear fruit for us now and potentially for many in the future.
I would ask and encourage all of you to begin saying the "Prayer for Eucharistic Renewal" that is found in the back flap of your missalette/hymnal either before or after Mass and in your homes as well. Renew and strengthen your focus on Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, and en-courage others to find their way to the Lord. Both events mentioned seek to produce hope for those who attend and for others as well. While some might find their hopes dashed or strongly lessened if their candidate loses in November, our hopes in and through Jesus can be strengthened for the rest of our lives and reach their ulti-mate fulfillment in the joy and peace of heaven where we will all be winners for all eternity!
Firstly, who is the focus of these two events. In the case of the convention it is of course Donald Trump, the nominee on the Republican side of the presidential ticket. There will be much said about him that is meant to build up a strong fervor among those attending and all voters throughout the country to support and elect him to be the next President of the United States. In the case of the congress the focus will be on Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Lord of heaven & earth and on his REAL PRESENCE in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is hoped that a fervor for Christ will be stirred up and carried on and back to Catholic dioceses throughout our country as we begin the third year of renewal where emphasis will be on "Mission". Unlike Trump or Biden or any other candidate, Jesus Christ does not have to prove himself worthy of ours and others support. His presence in our world over 2,000 years ago, what he taught and did, and his greatest act of love, going through his passion, death, and resurrection solidifies his worthiness to receive our greatest allegiance to him not for four years (as would be asked for an elected president of this or any country), but for the rest of our lives. Voting in political elections should, in my opinion, always be about who (among those offered) will best promote the ways and goals of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the benefit of the common good.
Secondly, both of the events will stress the importance of unity (among citizens and Catholics respectively). I know I can say with confidence that the unity that is the work of the Holy Spirit and "Spirit-filled" believers is much more possible among believers in Jesus Christ than between people on either side of the political spectrum. When we ask for and cooperate with the Holy Spirit individually and in groups of people, we can be confident that the results will bear fruit for us now and potentially for many in the future.
I would ask and encourage all of you to begin saying the "Prayer for Eucharistic Renewal" that is found in the back flap of your missalette/hymnal either before or after Mass and in your homes as well. Renew and strengthen your focus on Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, and en-courage others to find their way to the Lord. Both events mentioned seek to produce hope for those who attend and for others as well. While some might find their hopes dashed or strongly lessened if their candidate loses in November, our hopes in and through Jesus can be strengthened for the rest of our lives and reach their ulti-mate fulfillment in the joy and peace of heaven where we will all be winners for all eternity!