Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Election Day

 

Vote 

Smoke in this life, not the next.

Tue, Nov 3 – Holy Face Rosary I: Gethsemane & Election Day

Virtue: Surrender, Prudence & Trust

Cigar: Connecticut Broadleaf

Bourbon: Old Forester 1920

Reflection: Where am I called to surrender control? How do I seek the common good without placing my hope in earthly power?

In Gethsemane, Our Lord entered the darkest hour of His earthly life. Knowing the suffering that lay ahead, He prayed, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet He immediately added the words that changed history: "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done." Every disciple eventually stands in that garden. We all face moments when we must surrender our plans, fears, and desires to God's greater wisdom.

Election Day reminds us that citizenship carries moral responsibilities. Catholics are called to form their consciences, seek the common good, defend human dignity, and vote accordingly. How we vote matters because our choices are moral acts. They reflect what we believe about justice, truth, life, family, and the responsibilities we owe one another. In that sense, our decisions can affect our eternal destiny, not because politics saves us, but because every moral choice helps shape the soul we bring before God.

The Venerable Agnes of Langeac frequently repeated the warning: "Accursed be he that doth the work of God with negligence." After Sister Angelique's death, she appeared to Agnes from Purgatory and thanked her for constantly urging reverence and fervor. The lesson remains clear. Whether we pray, vote, work, or serve others, God asks for faithful hearts rather than careless participation.

Tonight's Connecticut Broadleaf and Old Forester 1920 invite steady reflection. Do your duty before God. Then leave the outcome in His hands.

Smoke in this life, not the next.

HONEYMOON IN BALI — THE LIMITS OF POLITICAL PROMISES AND THE PURSUIT OF TRUE HAPPINESS
From Island Romance to the Truth That No Election Can Guarantee a Honeymoon in Bali (Based on Honeymoon in Bali, 1939)

A Woman Searching for Happiness in Fortune, Romance, and Opportunity

Before Gail Allen finds herself caught between romance, exotic adventure, and the promise of life in a tropical paradise, she is much like every voter standing before a ballot box. She hopes for a better future. She seeks security, happiness, and fulfillment. She believes that the right choice may unlock a more desirable life. Yet as events unfold, she discovers that no decision, however important, can completely eliminate uncertainty.

The film reveals a truth that Election Day often obscures. Good choices matter. Wise decisions matter. Prudence matters. Yet no single choice guarantees happiness. The same is true in politics. A vote may influence the direction of a nation, but it cannot guarantee prosperity, harmony, or personal contentment.

The danger is expecting political victory to accomplish what only virtue can sustain. The lesson is that civic responsibility is important, but not all-powerful. The verdict is that a healthy nation depends less upon who occupies office than upon the character of the people who elect them.

Film Card — Honeymoon in Bali (1939)

Honeymoon in Bali • Romantic Comedy • 1h 25m

A successful businesswoman unexpectedly finds herself drawn toward romance and the promise of a dreamlike future, only to discover that happiness cannot be secured solely through favorable circumstances.

Themes: Choice & Consequence • Romance & Reality • Happiness Beyond Circumstance

Cast: Madeleine Carroll, Fred MacMurray, Akim Tamiroff, Carolyn Lee

Production: Paramount Pictures

Historical Frame: Late-Depression America, when people longed for security, prosperity, and brighter horizons amid uncertain times.

Production & Cultural Setting

Island Fantasy: Bali represents an idealized paradise where life's difficulties appear far away.

American Optimism: The era celebrated the belief that good fortune might be just one opportunity away.

Romantic Escapism: Audiences sought stories that offered hope amid economic and international uncertainty.

Moral Undercurrent: External circumstances may change, but the human heart remains responsible for its own choices.

Story Summary

The Opportunity: Gail is presented with unexpected possibilities that promise happiness and adventure.

The Attraction: Romance and exotic dreams create the impression that fulfillment is within reach.

The Decision: Important choices must be made regarding love, commitment, and the future.

The Complication: Expectations collide with reality as circumstances become more complex.

The Discovery: Happiness proves to require more than favorable conditions.

The Resolution: Lasting fulfillment emerges through character and commitment rather than fantasy alone.

Moral & Spiritual Resonances

A. Prudence Matters: Right decisions are important because choices have consequences.

B. No Earthly Paradise: Neither politics nor prosperity can remove every human difficulty.

C. Character Shapes Destiny: Virtue influences the future more deeply than circumstances.

D. Hope Must Be Properly Ordered: Political leaders can help govern a nation but cannot save a soul.

E. Personal Responsibility Endures: Every citizen remains responsible for his conduct regardless of election outcomes.

Hospitality Pairing — Drawn From Tropical Dreams and American Optimism

Food — Light, Bright, and Celebratory:

Grilled pineapple

Coconut shrimp

Key lime pie

Drink — Relaxed Yet Reflective:

A pour of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

A tropical mocktail with citrus and coconut

Fresh iced tea on a warm afternoon

Atmosphere — A Porch Rather Than a Political Rally:

Soft evening light

Palm fronds swaying in the breeze

Conversation focused on gratitude rather than anxiety

Election Day Reflection

How much hope do I place in political outcomes?

Do I expect elected officials to solve problems that require personal virtue?

Where am I tempted to confuse civic success with human happiness?

How can I contribute to the common good regardless of who wins?

Am I seeking a better government while neglecting the government of my own soul?

The vote matters.

But casting the right ballot no more guarantees a honeymoon in Bali than getting married guarantees a happy marriage.

Virtue remains the foundation upon which both nations and lives are built.