Who Will We Be On November 9?

Who Will We Be On November 9?

I honestly cannot recall a more contentious political atmosphere than this year’s election cycle. Not only have both major parties gone to the mattresses against each other (pardon the reference to The Godfather, but it’s somehow fitting, I think); but even prior to the national conventions, both parties fought vicious inside campaigns against each other for months. I am actually thankful that the political rage that seemingly has taken over America hasn’t led to animosity in our parish
community—even though I know that like all communities, we are seriously divided on the issues raised by the candidates. I am thankful that we have been gracious enough not to draw battle lines between one another.

In recent years, elections have become deeply stressful events. I suspect the 24x7 news cycle began the upsurge in that stress, and it has been underscored even more so with the advent of social media. It is so easy to fall into the trap of seeing those who believe differently from us as nothing more than a crude political meme, slogan, or bit of strained hyperbole—the “wrong guys” - the “enemy.” The reality is that come November 9, there will be those among us who will want to crow and those among us who will want to growl. Who knows, perhaps all of us will want to do a little of both.

The question is, “Who will we be on November 9?” I’ll give you a hint at what I believe to be the correct theological answer to the question. Take a look at Genesis 1: 26-27, and then flip over in your Bibles to John 15:12-17. I’ll wait while you take a minute to look up the verses (cue the Jeopardy theme music while we wait)….

If you said something like, “We will be fellow human beings, each created in the image and likeness of God,” you would be correct. If you said further something like, “We are friends of Jesus; commanded by Jesus to love one another and be willing to give up our lives for one another,” you would get bonus points!

Come November 9, some of us will have hearts that are hurting a bit, and some will be celebrating. Each will have our own vision on what the world should look like in our neck of the woods. But we will all still be fellow human beings created in the image and likeness of God. We will still be sisters and brother in Christ—people whom Jesus desires to know as friends. We will still be seeking the kingdom of God made real on this earth. And that, my friends, should be what drives our vision.