This year I have the pleasure of interning for the Office of the Dean of Student here at Neumann. I have also been named a Democracy Fellow with Campus Vote Project, a non-partisan student voter initiative project. I’m honored that Campus Ministry thought of me for this Sunday’s reflection and I want to tie it in with voting because this Tuesday (November 3) is Election Day!

In this week's reading we hear the teaching of the Beatitudes. They are some of the most influential words in Christianity. They teach us about compassion and love. Jesus teaches us the Beatitudes as a guideline of how to treat our fellow humans. He wants us to treat others the way we would want to be treated in those situations. God will reward those who act with mercy and sincerity on Earth, in the Kingdom of Heaven. As Christians, we are taught from a young age that our world is God's creation and therefore we should leave this land better then we found it. Jesus also taught us to stand up for those who don't have a voice, which is why i can't stress voting enough!

My hope is that you all approach voting the same way. Vote as if you didn’t have the privileges you may be blessed with today. Vote for those who are struggling on the streets, hungry. Vote as if it’s life and death, because for some, it is. God has always taught us to care for creation and caring for those around us means to go out and vote. I hope you have a wonderful week. Stay safe and God Bless! Don’t forget that your vote matters!