The elections are over. The people have spoken. At least the ones who voted did.

Any surprises?

YES!

iN 5 MIDWESTERN STATES THEY ALL ELECTED SENATORS WHO OPPOSED RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE But in those same states:

THE PEOPLE VOTED TO RAISE IT! 

The Catholic Church's social teaching has long maintained workers should be paid a LIVING wage to support a family. Raising the minimum wage is a STEP in that direction, although large corporations like Wal Mart too often never pay a living wage.

It appears that the Spirit of Wisdom and justice stirred among many voters even though it did not reach the hearts of the politiciansthey elected. 

That is a very good thing.

Today's Feast the Dedication of St. John Lateran Church in Rome: Why celebrate?

It's History:

It was desecrated by the Vandals in 5th century, restored by Pope Leo in 460.

In 896, detroyed by earthquake, then rebuilt.

in1360 burned doewn, rebuilt by Urban V

It is still standing there in 2014, but more important, The Church which is God's People still assembles there.

The symbolism of Saint John Latern would seem to say that through, tumult, earthquake, fire, the Church struggles on, often wounded, but never destroyed.

And today's Gospel tells us that Christ's Body though seemingly vanquished, was raised p on the third day.

And so, in today's Introit we pray:

I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride for her husband!"

What a lovely image for our sometime battered Church!