There was dancing, dancing in the streets. In a very hard and long election, people in the midst of a deadly pandemic came out to vote in record numbers. We came very close to losing our democracy but we can now breathe a sigh of relief and express jubilation. At the same time, we acknowledge that the path forward is laden with obstacles that will continue to challenge us. We are hopeful that new national leadership will spur some unity and coordination to get the corona virus under control. A second vaccine is showing promise and markets are responding positively, but the markets are not the economy. Small businesses will continue to suffer as more restrictions are recommended. Hunger and food insecurity continues to be at the top of the crisis list and it is essential that we recognize that we are our brother and sister's keeper. Perhaps, we can use some of our Thanksgiving food budget to replenish the community food shelves. It will be a dark winter but we can do this - if we take action now. Make a plan to keep yourself and loved ones healthy and safe by following the guidelines that credible epidemiologists recommend.

Clericalism

The Vatican 449 page investigation report into sexual abuse by Cardinal McCarrick was another blow to the hierarchy who ignored or turned a blind eye to McCarrick's misconduct. Clericalism was on full display and we, the church, are ashamed that those in power chose to protect clergy over the protection of innocent victims. Carlo Maria Vigano was implicated as part of the McCarrick cover-up. Vigano, a familiar name to CCCR, was ambassador and former papal nuncio to the US. In the Greene Espel report, one document implicated Vigano along with former Archbishop Nienstadt as trying to limit a sexual misconduct probe in the Mpls/St Paul diocesan scandal. Perhaps it is time for the Archdiocese to release more documents from the Greene Espel report.

On the bright side, the Archdiocese of Mpls/St. Paul has raised their level of transparency from 45 in 2019 to 96 in 2020 based on a scale of 0-100 for transparency. See link below:                                                           

 

Meditation

We have been meditating on the words of this Psalm for the last two months and will continue to do so throughout these dark days. We prayerfully lament as well as affirm our trust in the Lord. Please meditate with us.

I had said in my alarm,

"I am driven far from your sight."

But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help.

Love the Lord, all you his saints.

            The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who

            acts haughtily.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage.

All you who wait on the Lord (Ps. 31: 22-24).