John 17:20-21 – “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me”.

As I write this article, the mid-term elections have not yet occurred, but they will be concluded by time you read this. I do pray, as Jesus does in the Gospel text above, that already we can be aware of the need to heal the divisions caused by campaign rhetoric and slogans. Drawing distinctions between candidates for office seems somewhat necessary, while on the other hand, governance and legislation require collaboration. Women and men of good will must come together for the greatest good, for the greatest number, not only the good of those who think similarly to the way we/they think. We cannot waste time gloating that “My senator, my governor, my representative, my assembly person…won! Ha, Ha! Tough for you, losers.”

As believers in the God of Jesus Christ, we must come to peace with the purposes of God as expressed by Jesus Christ. St. Paul concludes that seeking unity among us is a primary effort for those who claim Christ. Paul writes to the Ephesians:

“I…urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 4:1b-6

In addition, as relates to the post-campaign, post-election atmosphere, we must reacquaint ourselves with what St. Paul sees as essential attitudes and behaviors for those who live in unity. He writes in Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” While candidates for election and their acolytes may not have followed Paul’s encouragement, NOW is the time for all of us to adhere to these words. It is always time to love God, to love our neighbor, and to love ourselves.

Peace, Fr. Andy