Scripture:
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 14:15-24
Reflection:
Brothers and Sisters: have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 2:5
Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame. -Luke 14:21
Today is election day in the United States. Like Pope Francis, I will not say how to vote, only note that is a hard decision for anyone who considers all the issues. However, I find myself reflecting on today’s reading from Luke, where once again, Jesus reminds us that everyone is welcome at the table.
God deeply desires to be in relationship with us. He also wants us to be in relationship with each other. The early Church had many disagreements about the best way forward for the building up of the Kingdom on earth. But they remained in relationship. They considered, discussed, and even argued over how to accomplish this. But, through prayer and discernment, they found their way. We, too, may find ourselves disagreeing about how to move forward to meet the problems before us. But our mandate is clear. In Matthew 25:42-43 Jesus tells us how we are to build up the kingdom: “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” This is true both for us individually and as a nation.
No matter how this election goes, let us do as Saint Paul advised and put on the attitude of Jesus. May God continue to bless us as we continue on in the work of building up His kingdom.
Talib Huff is a retired teacher and a member of the retreat team at Christ the King Retreat Center In Citrus Heights. You may contact him at [email protected].