Pray that Catholics will have the courage to put the truth of the gospel and fidelity to the Church above partisan politics.

Reflect
Catholic social doctrine does not provide ready-made solutions to every political problem that arises within a particular set of circumstances. Catholics, and all people of good will, exercise the virtue of prudence in making practical judgments about what policies to pursue and how to pursue them. So, it is to be expected that Catholics will disagree with one another about how to approach different social issues. Disagreement is not a problem. What is a problem is abandoning the search for truth and fidelity to the Church in order to support one or another political party or ideology. Vigorous debate can be a sign that we are seeking the truth together. Speaking uncharitably or deliberately misrepresenting our fellow Catholics in public discourse in order to score political points is almost certainly a sign that we are putting loyalty to a political ideology above loyalty to the Truth. Polarization within the Church is not only a problem for the body politic; it is a spiritual sickness in the body of Christ.

Act
Polarization is not simply a phenomenon “out there.” It names a tendency within many people to turn away from truth in order to remain loyal to their political tribe. But Catholics are called to be conformed to Christ, not to partisan political leaders, media personalities, and social media influencers. Catholics can take a step towards de-polarizing our nation’s politics by honestly undertaking an examination of conscience and availing themselves of the sacrament of Confession. Have I spoken untruthfully in order to defeat a political opponent in an argument? Have I failed to treat others with genuine charity? Have I remained culpably ignorant about an issue by refusing to listen to others? When we come before the Lord in Confession, God’s grace heals us as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.