The world is waiting with baited breath as our American friends cast their votes. It’s no secret who the majority of Canadians would vote for. For many of us, the choice seems so blatantly obvious. We scratch our heads in wonderment that the presidential race is so close. Nail bitingly, stomach churningly, head poundingly close. After a combined spending total of 1.7 BILLION dollars, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are basically in a dead heat.
Long after the votes are counted, issues surrounding this election will remain. The blatant economic power of the 1% who found and fund Super Pacs in hopes of safe-guarding their own financial interests. Those American Bishops who threatened candidates and the eternal souls of women and men in the pews if they did not follow their voting agenda. The exorbitant cost and abuse of time, treasure and talents expended in discerning and choosing leadership.
Perhaps the polarization of this campaign will be a wake-up call to seek real change. In the meantime, we watch and wait. And, we pray.
Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB offers this wonderful prayer.
Give us, O God,
leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.
In seeking a leader, let us seek
more than development for ourselves–
though development we hope for–
more than security for our own land–
though security we need–
more than satisfaction for our wants–
though many things we desire.
Give us the hearts to choose the leader
who will work with other leaders
to bring safety
to the whole world.
Give us leaders
who lead this nation to virtue
without seeking to impose our kind of virtue
on the virtue of others.
catholic dialogue 