[Note: this prayer reflects and quotes from the Encyclical Letter Caritas In Veritate given in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI on June 29, 2009. This letter is addressed not only to the Catholic Church, but also to “all people of good will” and expands on the following statement, made in the opening paragraph: “Charity in truth, to which Jesus Christ bore witness by his earthly life and especially by his death and resurrection, is the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and of all humanity.” Quotes from the letter are identified by paragraph number.]
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mt. 22:37-39
Lord, our economy is said to be growing stronger, although many remain without work and jobs continue to be lost. Regulatory reforms that would help stabilize and strengthen our monetary systems have stalled. The economic and social inequalities which increased in past decades continue, and the political will to provide remedies or relief has not been found. The Encyclical Letter warns us that:
The dignity of the individual and the demands of justice require, particularly today, that economic choices do not cause disparities in wealth to increase in an excessive and morally unacceptable manner, and that we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady employment for everyone. . . . Through the systemic increase of social inequality, . . . not only does social cohesion suffer, thereby placing democracy at risk, but so too does the economy, through the progressive erosion of “social capital”: the network of relationships of trust, dependability, and respect for rules, all of which are indispensable for any form of civil coexistence. (Encyl. Ltr, par. 32)
Let us heed this warning O Lord. Do not let us ignore or accept the erosion of trust, the decline in civility, and the lack of accountability, that permeate our civic life. Help us find the path forward and build better foundations for our future life together. As we seek to reform our financial system, remind us, O Lord, as the Encyclical Letter does, “that the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is man, the human person in his or her integrity. . .” (Encyl. Ltr, par. 25).
Help us to care for one another, to reach out, to share, and to trust that our lives will be better for it. Help us to preserve and develop all of our people, that each their lives, and our life together, may better reflect your love and your grace. Help us, O Lord.
Amen
Tags: charity, country, economy, hope, politics, renewal, truth, USA
Prayers For Our Country 
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