Every four years our neighbors and friends are suddenly vexed and overcome by the spirit of confusion, delusion, and irrationality. We simply cannot understand how they so abruptly lose their good common sense. Can’t they see that we hold the clear and sure vision of exactly who is deserving of our vote and that our view of the issues is the only one which a rational person would possibly hold?  And of course we need to correct their faulty thinking. And of course if they won’t accept the offering of wisdom and insight, then it is their fault.

¹³Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, ¹⁵ but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, ¹⁶ but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear (1 Peter 3)

Good advice: do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear. May the spirit of St Francis be with us all during the election campaign season and beyond

Admonition Ten: Castigating the Body

¹ There are many people who, when they sin or are injured, frequently blame the enemy or their neighbor. ² But it is not so, because each one has the enemy in its power, that is his body through which he sins.

³ Blessed is the servant, then, who always holds captive the enemy delivered into his power and wisely safeguards himself from him; ⁴ because, as long as he does, no other enemy visible or invisible will be able to harm him.