Where does our ultimate allegiance lie? With a political party, or with Christ?
Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As His followers, living in a world that continues to steer humanity away from Him, we find that division and unity are constantly engaged in an active boxing match. Everyone is exhausted, yet so often, we struggle to find common ground and sit at the table Christ has set before us.
As Christian leaders, we are called to walk the narrow road, a road that leads us straight to our Triune God and the Way of Life. While we wear many hats and carry many responsibilities within ministry and beyond, whether in our ministry roles or bi-vocational professions, we are continually tested in every pillar of our lives: our spirit, mind, body, and heart, according to what God has entrusted to us.
It is through this journey that we continue to search for and discover our true telos, our ultimate purpose and love, and the anchor that helps us withstand every storm. That anchor is Christ.
It is in this light that we recognize the importance of elections.
The leaders we elect influence the direction of our country, states, and communities, shaping the policies and decisions that can either move us forward or set us back.
The relationship between church and state also challenges us to consider the responsibilities we carry as people of faith and as members of society.
There are moments when the Church must speak up, reminding society of the values of justice, mercy, and human dignity. And sometimes, that same call becomes a wake-up call for us. Are our eyes open to see what the Spirit is leading us to see, or do we follow what feels more comfortable?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us of our moral responsibility to challenge unjust laws, even when doing so comes at a personal cost. This makes me reflect on Christ’s ministry and how He consistently called us to care for the orphan, the widow, the marginalized, and the stranger. Our faith cannot remain confined to words when people are suffering.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s life and ministry also invite us to consider what kind of world we want to build and what we are willing to do to achieve it. We are invited, as Christian leaders and ministers, to speak in the public square when we witness injustice and to praise and support what is good when we see it. Our calling is not simply to criticize what is wrong, but also to participate in the work of making things right.
We are encouraged to do what is necessary, one step at a time—not by our own strength, but by God’s strength. We are called to pray for all humanity, regardless of political party, so that our nation, our communities, and our states may begin to heal.
With peace, love, prayer, hope, and faith, I pray that we surrender at the feet of Christ and receive His guidance. As we wait and discern, people will judge us for what we do and what we do not do. Yet I believe what matters most is whether Christ is exalted and glorified through our actions.
Let’s emerge from this election season not more divided, but more committed to Christ.
As St. Francis of Assisi’s well-known prayer reminds us, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace, sowing love where there is hatred. This is how unity can begin to grow: not by pretending our differences do not exist, but by choosing to love, listen, serve, and pursue what is right. In time, that unity can grow like a field prepared for harvest.
This November, may we choose gratitude over resentment, prayer over hostility, and the way of Christ over the divisions of this world. May we continue to seek unity, pursue justice, and give thanks in all circumstances. I pray that the Lord would open our eyes and ears to see and hear the cries of those who are suffering and help us respond with compassion. May He also give us the courage to speak and act with empathy and the love of Christ. And as the ocean reaches many shores, may we carry the love of Christ to them all.