For the Good of the People

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18)


The United States has been a democracy since 1776, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Americans elect representatives to carry out the Constitution. Eventually two major parties developed, Republican and Democrat. Most of the time the government worked pretty well except for the Civil War period and a few other upheavals. Despite some rough spots, we maintained our democracy. Hopefully, we can continue to do so.

The election we just had was very divisive. Each of the two persons running for president had very different views. But if we are going to live together in peace, we will have to try to understand each other and learn how to cooperate even when we disagree. We need to acknowledge each other’s viewpoints and discuss our disagreements without becoming antagonistic or violent. We have one of the strongest democracies in the world, and the majority want to keep it that way[BM1] .

One of the first things our elected officials need to learn is to listen. As St. Benedict wrote in his Rule 1500 years ago, “Listen with the ear of your heart.”  When people really listen with their hearts, they usually can understand the other’s viewpoint and come to some kind of compromise. It will take time to discern and to respect each side’s position. If we do not, issues cannot be resolved peacefully.

Children always want to have things their way. If they don’t, they start fighting. Through discipline they learn to work things out in more mature ways. Hopefully, our elected representatives have learned enough wisdom to come to some kind of mutual understanding and do what is best for the people they represent.

Even though we anticipate some difficulties, most of us have hope that God will protect our country and lead us forward in peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [BM1]

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