I decided to write this reflection before the election in the United States so as to hopefully avoid a rant depending on the outcome. And in so doing, I pray that it is more of a spiritual and faith reflection on what is happening not just to the south of us in the U.S. but all around the world, and here in Canada too. In particular, whoever has been elected, I call us to do the only real thing we can do as a people of faith and that is to pray.

Politics were at the center of what Jesus encountered and lived with as part of his life and ministry. It was a political intervention that ultimately led to his death. How many times do we read in the gospels Jesus involved in some kind of confrontation with those in political leadership? Regularly. And how many of those times were initiated by Jesus? Few. 

Jesus stood His ground when the authorities of the day wielded their position of power in order to entrap him and turn the crowds against him. He was a threat to them and the influence they had over the everyday lives of the people they governed. Even though they were often hostile toward him, when questioned about taxes he honored the place of Caesar and the role of those in political leadership. However, he also held them accountable for how they treated people and especially those most vulnerable and marginalized. Most importantly, Jesus opened up the belief that God had another kind of kingdom in mind than what was being lived out on earth. In God's kingdom, the priority would be justice, respect, dignity, care, compassion and love. There would be no discrimination or hatred among people. God's reign would be totally about peace among all people in all places in all time.

Oh how we long for that reality today. And all the drama surrounding the days leading up to the election yesterday only magnify the dysfunction of political systems today and abuses of power by those in positions of leadership.

At this moment, I don't know how the Americans will vote and who will be elected as their next President. I have my own thoughts and prayers in that regard. In the end, all we can do is pray, especially because for most of us in Canada we have no part in the process even tough we will undoubtedly be affected by it.

I was struck by the faithfulness of prayer I have heard about through the church in the U.S. On Sunday, there was a vigil of prayer at the National Cathedral in Washington led by The Most. Rev. Michael Curry. And, on the evening of the election the Brothers from the Society of St. John the Evangelist are holding a prayer vigil in silence with readings throughout from the psalms. The faithful are indeed coming together to pray which they know is all they can do. 

I look to Jesus today; and I will look to Jesus on Wednesday after the election is wrapped up. I remember when Trump was elected in 2018, there was a campaign with the slogan, "No matter who is President, Christ is King". There is some consolation in holding on to that faith with hope and trust. 

Human leaders may well continue to work amidst dysfunction and end up causing hurt and pain in the lives of so many. They will undoubtedly continue to disappoint. That's an unfortunate and a sad reality that comes out of their very human condition and their all too human ambition which leads to their all too human agendas and priorities and success.

However, I pray that God's reign will grow more and more as individuals exercise their rights and freedoms and continue to hold government accountable for actions and decisions. Part of our mission and ministry as followers of Jesus is to speak truth to power. The voices of God's people united in the call for justice must continue to be heard. We need to feel empowered by the gift of God's Holy Spirit to be the faithful voice of God speaking into the darkness and injustice of our time.

We may well speak negatively and disparagingly of those elected to the south of us and how they lead in their government. However we need to keep our own politics here in Canada in mind too. There is a need here too to speak truth boldly and with confidence because of who we are and what we believe and the example of Jesus. Let's use our God inspired voices to speak truth to power here too locally in our town of Uxbridge, provincially and federally too. 

Whatever has happened; whatever the result of the election on Tuesday; whoever is President of the United States; my first prayer is for peace and a true desire to work through the differences that divide people on the many and various issues of the day. And in that, I pray that you and I may not lose hope in the foundation of our faith through Jesus Christ. And, finally, that we might hold on to that biblical imperative from the prophet Micah, "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." May we always be empowered to live out our baptismal identity and trust always in the one whose reign we wait and contribute to, Jesus Christ and God's kingdom and the feast gathered at God's table where there's room for everyone and no one is excluded!!