Note: I used to be a republican but I don’t like that term anymore. I would better describe myself as a conservative…don’t believe me ask my brothers – we’ve had many a spirited conversation about this. The older I get and the wiser I get, the more I tend to stay away from political affiliations. I am turning into a bitter old man who trusts very few politicians – regardless of where they stand politically. I have a couple of main issues that determine my vote and being pro-life is my most strict criteria. I am often criticized for this stance and I’m told I need to look at more important issues than one that I, as a man, should really have no say in. I’m straying from where I really want to go with this post – I just wanted to give you an idea of where I stand politically. We can debate voting issues in another post.
Where I am trying to go with my post this morning is with all those who hold political office now. I can only hope this message reaches them someway, somehow. Enough of the bad blood. Enough of the left vs. right; right vs. left; Politician A is trying to take away your right to _______(insert whatever is the hot topic right now). I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to this and I’m trying to change my mindset. Why? Because for a long time, and if I’m being honest, still to this day, I’ve harbored a “hate” for those who don’t follow or support what I find to be important and I’ve experienced that same hatred from others who don’t agree with me.
My best example of this is that I have worked my entire career for IBEW union shops. If you want to meet a “people” that are to the left on the political spectrum, find a union worker. As hard as it has been discussing political issues with them, what I’ve found through my 29+ years of working with them is that they are great people. They work hard, most of the ones I know are good husbands, fathers, wives, mothers. I’ve learned to look past our political differences and have found some truly close friends with my liberal associates. How can that be? It can be because I’ve learned sometimes the best way to argue with someone who doesn’t believe what you do is to not argue at all; live your life in what you believe, be that “mirror” that when they see you, they see the good you believe in.
So now, let’s read today’s Gospel. And this is the message I want all politicians to here and heed. Stop the blame game. Stop twisting every issue to meet your political gain. If we are “one” nation, indivisible, then why are we trying to split everything – EVERYTHING. White vs. Black; Minority vs. Majority; those who are “rich” need to be taxed more; those who are poor need to stop begging; straight vs. gay; christian vs. jew vs. atheist; open borders vs. closed borders. Every news item, everyday seems to draw a line and dares anyone to try and cross it. It is exhausting and has become the main reason that I follow very little news on the tele – Fox, CNN, MSNBC or even local affiliates. That don’t report news anymore, they are one long editorial. And they are divisive.
Long rant made just a little longer – Christ calls us to love. He doesn’t just say love your wife, your friends and all who agree with you. Nope. He puts no such parameters on who we are to love. WE ARE TO LOVE. Look at our Gospel acclamation – ACCLAMATION – from John today…
If we love one another,
God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us.
Do something great for our Lord today – disregard my “rant” above and LOVE.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
I live you with the song from Bernadette Farrell, a nice reflection on our Psalm today…
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 