Beyond elections
It's so easy to get caught up all the politicking. It's also easy to get put off because of all the lies, half truths, distortions, spins, and so on. Even more, it's so easy to grow depressed because something that appears so clearly wrong seems on the verge of prevailing.
But moments like this can serve to remind us that as important as elections are, as important as the issues are, as important as fighting for what is right in our society is, ultimately, our goal is not what we can achieve in this world, but rather, on what is eternal.
That does not mean that we should simply give up and let the world be the world. Our faith compels us to fight, and fight with all our might. We must fight to win not because winning is the end, but rather, because we must do what is right.
And in seeking what is right we must remember that we cannot reform others - that they must do themselves. Our real goal is to reform ourselves, to try to be as perfect followers of Christ as we can be.
Moreover, we have to have faith that God can use even seeming defeats to reach us and others. Our faith, our crazy "irrational" dada faith, tells us that we have to trust in Him.
Elections in this world are important, but even more important is eternal life.
But moments like this can serve to remind us that as important as elections are, as important as the issues are, as important as fighting for what is right in our society is, ultimately, our goal is not what we can achieve in this world, but rather, on what is eternal.
That does not mean that we should simply give up and let the world be the world. Our faith compels us to fight, and fight with all our might. We must fight to win not because winning is the end, but rather, because we must do what is right.
And in seeking what is right we must remember that we cannot reform others - that they must do themselves. Our real goal is to reform ourselves, to try to be as perfect followers of Christ as we can be.
Moreover, we have to have faith that God can use even seeming defeats to reach us and others. Our faith, our crazy "irrational" dada faith, tells us that we have to trust in Him.
Elections in this world are important, but even more important is eternal life.
posted by A Secular Franciscan | 5:30 PM
4 Comments:
"Even more, it's so easy to grow depressed because something that appears so clearly wrong seems on the verge of prevailing."
My friend, you've fallen into the trap of associating leaders with what one can accomplish and get involved with locally: in one's parish, neighborhood, and community.
Doing what is right goes far beyond flipping a lever in a voting booth.
Todd
I recognize neither one may be able to accomplish much given the economy. My fear is that if elected, however, Obama will appoint judges who will help to keep abortion as it is now in place. I don't think we can end abortion, but I would like to see more limits placed on it.
As for being involved locally, I agree one must be active. I have been very active here in terms of the parish, the Franciscans, the pro-life movement, and the Town of Gates. Statewide, I helped to create the NY chapter of Democrats for Life.
"My fear is that if elected, however, Obama will appoint judges who will help to keep abortion as it is now in place."
The likely short-term retirement or death prospects are the pro-choice justices. I think it's a ten-year wait before any Republican appointees are in line to be switched.
Even if Senator McCain were to pull off a miracle in eight days, he won't be able to ram any nominee through Congress.
Abortion is a dead issue this election cycle. I wish it weren't so, but that's the way it is.
Todd
Of course, you've just provided an argument for voting for McCain.
If he is elected and those pro-choice justices retired, the chances are he'd appoint more pro-life judges - or at least ones who would recognize Roe was a bad decision.
So the only way to have a chance to change abortion polices in a positive direction would be to elect McCain.
I am not a fan of his, but if I did live in a state where my vote counted, I would vote McCain.
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