If you were addressing the nation on Wednesday, Nov. 7, the DAY AFTER the election, what would you say? What advice would you offer to your fellow Americans about the next four years?

In leading some workshops on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship [a document from the American Catholic Bishops] I have tried to emphasize that the hard work begins on November 7th. Regardless of which candidate is elected, we work toward the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching: the sacredness of life & the dignity of each person; a preferential option for the poor; support for marriage/family as the indispensable core of society; the right to employment & the dignity of workers; care for the environment; global solidarity. Being faithful citizens demands our best and requires much hard work. Patriotism is not wearing a lapel pin or displaying a flag but sacrificing our time and gifts to work for the flourishing of all our citizens, and ultimately of all in our world.