As our attention turns to the upcoming presidential election on November 3, 2020, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, in Convent Station, N.J., asked their Office of Peace, Justice, and Ecological Integrity to prepare reflections that will help to discern and form our consciences during this electoral season. Each week they will share a quote from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, some questions for reflection, and a link to further material to those who would like to take a “deeper dive” into the issues the bishops raise. The Sisters of Charity of New York are grateful to be able to share the reflections created by Father Terrence Moran.
REFLECTION FOR ELECTION 2020
NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Our last Reflection for Election 2020 is a novena to the Holy Spirit beginning today, October 26 and ending on Election Day, November 3. For each day of the novena take a few moments of quiet, read the scripture passage, breathe deeply consciousness of your communion with all living things, and conclude with the prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Day 1 October 26
“The Earth was formless and void and the Spirit hovered over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1
Come Holy Spirit, breathe on the chaos of our world and bring forth a new creation.
Day 2 October 27
“When the Spirit of Truth comes, the Spirit will guide you to all truth.” John 16:12
Come Holy Spirit with your gift of discernment. Make us a people diligent in the search for truth.
Day 3 October 28
“By the power of the Spirit, may you abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
Come Holy Spirit, vanquish our despair. Renew us in hope.
Day 4 October 29
“The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18
Come Holy Spirit. Anoint us to be good news to the poor.
Day 5 October 30
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Spirit?” 1 Cor. 6:19
Come Holy Spirit. May all bodies, your temples, receive tender care and protection.
Day 6 October 31
“Where the Spirit is, freedom is.” 2 Cor. 3:17
Come Holy Spirit. Direct our freedom in service of the common good.
Day 7 November 1
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” Rom. 8:26
Come Holy Spirit, strengthen us when we feel inadequate before the challenges of our time in history.
Day 8 November 2
“Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the Earth.” Psalm 104:30
Come Holy Spirit. Fill us with your passion to restore our suffering planet, our common home.
Day 9 November 3
“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Tim. 1:7
Come Holy Spirit. Dispel all fear. Fill us with your power in the service of love.
Courtesy of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J.