It may take months, if not years, to fully investigate and understand all of the energies that went into the storming of the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. Already, too many politicians and media elites are attempting to exploit the events for their purposes. That is too bad, but it is to be expected. Hopefully, more reasonable heads will prevail and the events of January 6 will be an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on our country’s recent past and near future in hopes of inspiring a more cohesive, effective government with leaders genuinely dedicated to what is best for all.

How are we to respond to these events as people of faith, who put our hopes in Jesus as Lord of history and have confidence in His victory?

Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
    he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some boast of chariots, and some of horses;
    but we boast of the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall;
    but we shall rise and stand upright. Psalm 20:6-8

The only response I know is to continue to put our hope in Jesus. But, that can’t just be theory. We can’t just say we believe and leave it at that. The devils believe, and tremble! (Jam 2:19). No, we must be doers of the word, and not just hearers (Jam 1:22). That means manifesting our hope in Jesus in concrete actions. Certainly this means daily prayer, for our country and for every citizen, but also for the Church, who has the responsibility of guiding the faithful through these difficult times. Certainly this means becoming even more familiar with the doctrines of faith, for we cannot give concrete action to the faith we hold if we don’t know the faith. Certainly this means service to others, for faith is never to be kept to one’s self, but must find expression in our relationships with those to whom we have committed ourselves and to those in need. Service to others is itself an act of hope in the future and a statement of faith in the dignity of each person.

Speaking of those to whom we have committed ourselves: when the fabric of our nation is being challenged by those, on ALL sides, who would tear it to tatters, it is a good time to reflect and re-commit ourselves to those to whom we have pledged our hearts and our lives, to our spouses, our children, our good friends, our country, and our God. This is a good time to remind ourselves of our Baptism, our Confirmation, our Marriage vows, our Religious vows, to pledge again to God and those we love and to whom we are dedicated our faithfulness and perseverance.

Finally, I offer the prayer of St. Teresa of Jesus:

Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things pass away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

He who has God

Finds he lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.

– Teresa of Jesus

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.