Grace and peace to you.
I am sure I’m not alone in looking forward to November 6, the day after this election will — hopefully — be over. If anything, I think we can all agree that we haven’t enjoyed the political ads that have taken over our television viewing.
No matter who you support, this election cycle has been, well, unpleasant, to say the least.
In the gospel text from Mark that was read during worship on September 29, Jesus tells his followers to not be a stumbling block to “one of these littles ones who believe in me.” I believe politics has, unfortunately, become a stumbling block in our lives in a lot of ways. Politics has affected how people act toward each other and has been a reason some friendships and relationships have ended. It has probably been the source of much anxiety and tension that pervades society. It doesn’t have to be this way, nor should it be this way.
The “Let Us Walk Together” mantra I have used in many iterations — on social media, in postcards we send out, as the name of our commitment sheets you fill out (and please fill those out by the end of the month!) — is something in which I firmly believe. When we follow The Way — that is Jesus — we are guided by God’s calling to move through this life of faith together, whether one votes for the former president or one votes for the current vice president or whether one votes for someone else or whether one doesn’t vote at all. We journey together as broken people and sinners who are loved by God and have God’s mercy and forgiveness through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
St. Mark specifically, and the whole Christian church generally, is and can be that light, that place that shows that while people may disagree at the ballot box, they can come together with one voice to proclaim the good news of Jesus and live out that faith in their lives and in serving our communities.
Do you know that when the colors red and blue come together they create the color purple? That is the color that is used during the season of Lent. Its meanings include repentance, and it is a reminder of Jesus’s passion and death on the cross — his conquering death to give us life.
As we approach Election Day, you can look for more prayers and reflections on our social media platforms to help remind us of Jesus’s love for all of us and that we can move forward together. In fact, let me finish with a prayer written by Rev. Erin Jones for “Reflections before an Election”: “Immanuel, remind us that you are indeed always with us. Help us to be bold in our faith, bold in our love, and bold in our trust in you. As we journey through these days [before the election], be at the center of our hearts and minds, guiding us toward deeper love of you, of those we disagree with, and all those in need. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”
Go in peace. Jesus loves you and is with you!
Pastor David