The election is over.
MY candidates didn't all win; in particular, there were two races in which I put a lot of hope. But, at least one of them did win.
I'm sure most of us can say that.
A word of advice. When you encounter someone from the other side of the aisle whose candidate was defeated by yours, don't gloat. Be kind. After all, there will be another election, right?
But, where do we go from here?
Two passages of scripture come to mind.
First:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Tim 2:1-4.
Notice that Paul has two reasons for urging prayer.
The first is that we can live a "quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way". The basis of our relation to the government is that we can live our lives as Christians. Yes, other factors are important, but they aren't necessarily why we are called to pray for our leaders.
The second is that "all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth".
Our leaders need Jesus. Not as some pie-in-the-sky guy who gets lip service. They need their hearts changed so that they follow Him, that they share in the Abundant Life which He promised. And, when they do so, their actions, their decisions, will be informed by Him.
I think of the current governor of New York and of her predecessor, and I think of our President. All are Catholic, yet they stand opposed to the Church's social teaching. Some may say that they're not longer Catholic, but I would argue that, not having explicitly rejected their Catholic Faith, it would probably be more accurate to say that they're bad Catholics. But, they're still Catholic.
Our Lord said, "to whom much is given, much is expected". Catholics have been given much, and He expects much from us. We need the prayers of each other, and our politicians who publicly take positions opposed to explicit Church teaching (and I'm thinking, among other things, abortion, euthanasia, homosexual activity, etc) - well, I would argue that they especially need our prayers.
When is the last time you prayed that these three people live the faith which they claim? Or, for that matter, when's the last time you prayed for the soul of any politician?
The second passage that comes to mind is probably quite familiar to you.
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land". - 2 Chronicles 7:14
The future of our nation depends less on our vote than on our prayers, on our pursuit of holiness.
What have you done to turn our nation around?
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