Some of us are immensely fortunate to be citizens of the United States.
It is a true gift, and being aware of this is something we must constantly renew. Along with this gift comes the task of taking the responsibilities it entails seriously. One of these is participating in elections and referendums. At other times, it involves being selected to serve on a jury, as happened to me a few years ago, although in the end, I was not chosen for any of the scheduled trials.
Citizenship establishes a special legal bond between a person and a nation, whether through birth, membership in a family of citizens, or the establishment of a long-term residence in the nation, along with other legal requirements. Voting is the hallmark of responsible citizens who love their country. However, statistics show that many do not exercise this right and obligation.
For Catholics, there is a sacrament linked to the public witness of faith and the building up of the church, participating in its mission and fostering the common good of the society in which one lives. It is precisely the sacrament of confirmation that enables Christians to give of themselves in the same way as Christ, creating a network of living relationships where faith is lived out and shared.
Part of the mission of the confirmed person is to work to bring all things into Christ. That is, to lead all of humanity and creation itself to the fullness willed by God, guided by the Holy Spirit. The confirmed person is anointed on the forehead by the bishop precisely because the forehead is the most visible part of the body, along with the face. The holy Chrism is perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop on Holy Thursday. The Holy Spirit empowers the confirmed to live and proclaim the truth of human love, to make promises that build marriages and families, and to bring God’s forgiveness to their friendships and to places where there are fractures that seem irreparable.
If we now bring together these two reflections — on the duties of a good citizen and on the grace of the sacrament of confirmation — we arrive at the following conclusion: Catholics are called to promote the common good of society through their vote, motivated by their faith and the truth of Christ to promote the common good. This means that Christians are called to participate actively in public life in order to live their faith to the fullest.
Voting “no” on Ballot Questions 1 and 2 to amend the Virginia Constitution is necessary. In addition, we have the sure guidance of the bishop, who — let us not forget — is also the ordinary minister of the sacrament of confirmation. Ultimately, voting no is entirely distinct from supporting political parties. The issues at stake are so fundamental to the building of society that all Catholics, regardless of their political preference or affiliation, must be united in voting no.
A few days ago, we had confirmations at Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge, and that inspired me to write this reflection. To summarize, I would say the following:
— Voting is the duty of a good citizen, with the sacrifice it entails: studying social needs and taking the time to go to the designated polling places to cast a vote.
— Voting is the duty of a good Catholic, convinced that faith has a public expression and cannot be reduced to the private sphere, because human beings are social creatures and faith leads humanity precisely to its fullness (including its effort to build society).
— Voting no on the proposed Virginia constitutional amendments 1 and 2 is the duty of a good Catholic, regardless of political affiliation, as the church teaches and asks of us through our bishop.
I am left with a fundamental concern: How many adults in our parishes have been confirmed? Might it not be necessary to rediscover that the sacrament of confirmation is essential for having the clarity of thought and strength to vote no on these amendments, which are as radical as they are unnecessary?
Let us all vote no together, with one voice.
Fr. Montero is pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge.
God is not dead