If the recently concluded election
teaches us anything, it tells us that we are, as a nation and a society, more
divided then many of us understood. We find ourselves as fellow citizens among many
more people who feel themselves pushed to the margins of our society than we
may have realized. The message for me seems to be that there are many more who
do not believe that anyone cares about them.
As often happens with political
events like elections, it becomes way too easy to line every one up on one team
or another and to start taking pot shots at one another – not unlike the dreaded
dodge ball games we might have experienced in junior high gym class. It is very
easy to become “tribal” as we gather around ourselves people who voted the same
way we did, whichever way that was. It is way too easy to retreat into our
safety zones, among like-minded folk, and listen only to voices that reinforce
our own beliefs and values.
I believe that Christ calls us
to do exactly the opposite. It was not the pattern of Jesus life that, when
faced with opposing viewpoints, he simply huddled up with his closest disciples
and talked about the other side. No. He moved out to them and engaged them. It
wasn’t always comfortable, but it was always with a mind toward justice and it
was always done from a motive of self-effacing love. It is important to note
that one of the most quoted verses of the New Testament (John 3:16) comes to us
in the context of an encounter with Nicodemus, a Pharisee – and we all know how
Jesus and the Pharisees often felt about one another. As disciples of Jesus
Christ we must listen and engage and work to find places where all of us can
stand and talk together.
Our Baptismal Covenant commits
us to “respect the dignity of every human being.” That means that we must
respect the dignity of those who voted for Hillary Clinton. It means that we
must respect the dignity of those who voted for Donald Trump. We must respect
the dignity of those who voted for Gary Johnson or Jill Stein. And we must
respect the dignity of those who felt themselves even unable to vote for any
reason at all. We must acknowledge that we are first and foremost people of
faith. We must presume that “others” are people of good will, and that we all
want what is best for our nation and our society even though we may disagree on
how best to get there.
A key to moving forward is to realize that Christ calls is to listen to
those who disagree with us to discover why they feel the way that they do. We
are not required to agree with one another, but we are called to accord each
other respect.
There are people in our parish who
may rejoice that their voices were heard yesterday. There are people in our parish
who may feel that their most closely held beliefs and values were rejected.
There are people in our parish who may fear for what the future will bring for
them or for those they love. There are people in our parish who are anxious
about what comes next. Our parish community must be a place for all of these people.
From its founding, the Episcopal
Church has prayed for the President of the United States in our liturgy. We
will continue this noble tradition and will add prayers for Donald, our
president-elect.
Most importantly, we need to
begin urgently to listen to one another, to pray for one another and to find
and build a community where, because of our mutual love and respect, can come
together in peace.
In the present circumstance, I
recommend the prayer for sound government from the Book of Common Prayer (p.
821)
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we
may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the
earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of
States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom
and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws
in States, Cities and Towns, give courage, wisdom and foresight to provide for
the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of
nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect
trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society;
that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all. Amen.
I am grateful to the deep
pastoral sensitivity of Bishop William Franklin, now bishop of my home diocese,
the Diocese of Western New York, whose own reflections are the basis this reflection
and this writing.
In the loving heart of Christ,
David+
