A Prayerful Reflection on Inauguration Day

University of Scranton President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., shares A Prayerful Reflection on Inauguration Day. 

Few times in our nation’s history have we faced so many serious challenges simultaneously. Considering all the uncertainties of the future, I am reminded of these words from Saint Ignatius: “Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.” Ignatius understood that we must demonstrate our love for each other and for God’s creation through our actions, at the same time striving to find God in all things – even in troubling times.

We pray for the success of President Biden and our nation as we celebrate today his inauguration to serve as the 46th president of the United States.

The road forward will not be easy for our country. We mourn the loss of so many to illness and injustice; we are burdened with division and despair. And yet, with hope in our hearts, we must commit ourselves as Ignatius did “to give, and not to count the cost.”

May God inspire us to join our hands and hearts in solidarity and purpose for the good of our nation and all humankind.

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President
The University of Scranton