By Mary Ellen Barrett

“‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” ~ Mark 12:31

You shall love your neighbor as yourself

How far are we from the Kingdom of God as this election season finally draws to a close? I am often astonished at how the scripture of the Mass is just what we need to hear as world events unfold around us and the faithful struggle with balancing God’s word with living in present times.  Love your neighbor might be a difficult thing in the coming days as we are being conditioned by various forms of media to have a case of the white-hot hate for those we disagree with for no other reason than they vote for someone we hope loses.

How often have angry words and name-calling changed a person’s opinion? Does someone immediately become despicable because they vote differently? Are we not being called to love as God loves?  When we meet our Savior, will He ask who we voted for in any given election, and there will be many throughout life, or will He ask how you cared for your family, neighbor, church, and community?  Have you served the poor, consoled the sorrowful, and fed the hungry?

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, 

with all your mind,

and with all your strength.

The second is this:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31

How do we practice that love?

These words are so beautiful and yet so challenging. Is it possible to love someone with whom you disagree on the many issues facing us? Of course, it is. When we look upon our neighbor, we must not see those issues; we must see them as God does. Created in His image, worthy of love, dignity, and respect. We must seek the good in them and not view them as evil or corrupt simply because they vote differently or believe differently.  If you cannot engage with people without falling into anger, then prayer and some distance might be necessary because anger rarely convinces anyone.

See the person, not the issue

Many important issues will be determined as a result of election day, and we tend to see those we disagree with as the personification of those issues. That creates needless angst and anger. It is important to consider that the circumstances which lead to people’s beliefs are usually formed over a whole life and not in a moment or just to annoy people.  People are more than their support of one candidate over another. They are the sum of many parts, and if we see our neighbors as the people they are rather than what we assume about them because of the bumper stickers on their cars or the profile photo on their Facebook page, we might find it easier to love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, create in me peace about your plan for our country and help me to love all of my neighbors as you love them, without regard to politics. Grant me a loving countenance that reflects yours so that I may be a source of joy to those around me. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Call to Action

Avoid political discussions in these next few days. Instead, spend time in prayer for those currently leading us and those who are about to. Ask God to guide them well.

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