Will we even be able to retain our democracy?—Pat Perriello  There is the problem, our democracy.  Our democracy belongs to you, too.  Have courage.  Strike the rock of democracy one time, i.e. participate and vote, and expect water to burst forth on the parched land of political expediency.  “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95:8).  Wisdom requires that the Faithful seek God in what they do.  In this case the matter is dealing with self-governance, both of church and state and as individuals.  “From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, to be killed and on the third day be raised” (Mathew 16:21).  This means that no matter how dire the situation, the Faithful are to grasp “Blessed Assurance” and do what is right, as best they see it.  Liturgy of the Word, Reading 410, Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time I.