July 08 Kandili Article
The slate of candidates for the November presidential elections is secure. After one of the most intense primary battles in American history, Barack Obama is the Democratic candidate and John McCain will represent the Republicans. The campaign between the parties and candidates will most certainly heat up shortly. Millions of dollars will be spent on television and radio ads (with promises of change, economic stability, peace and security). Each party will “spin” issues in their direction. Accusations and mudslinging will be a part of our lives over the next several months.
In the midst if this “news”, I would also like to comment on something very sad from the political front. Long time political announcer and analyst, Tim Russert passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He was host of the “Meet the Press” and well known analyst for NBC. After viewing a few reports about his life on the “Today Show” it was evident that this man was a genuinely good and Godly man. Whether in an interview with his son, who recently graduated from Boston College, Pam Shriver, wife of California Governor Arnold Schwartzeneger, or Matt Lauer, the “Today Show host, evidence of his strong faith and love of family, friends and country were strongly emphasized. In a most unusual way the “Today Show” ‘family’ focused time with care in remembering Tim. It almost seemed like his faith, goodness, and godliness guided the producers to honor his life and memory with the same faith, goodness and godliness in the manner in which the story was told. For a moment, the political arena that he was a part of seemed sanctified. To be sure, things will get “back to normal” soon with the mud-slinging, promises of change, peace and security. Yet, as I watched his incredibly articulate son Luke respond to questions last week, the political arena briefly became “God’s” arena.
In the final analysis, my dear friends, whether our next president is John McCain or Barack Obama, whether gas prices go down, alternative energy sources are utilized, the economy improves and there is a withdrawal of troops from Iraq, one thing is certain – neither this world nor people in it are perfect. We can of course work hard for the achievement of goals and political agendas for the good of all. Nevertheless, for you and me as Christians, we have but one Savoir, our Lord Jesus. And our call, yours and mine alike is to be people of faith, goodness and godliness.
This 4th of July, as we celebrate our Independence Day as a country, let’s thank our forebearers for their sacrifice. Let’s thank Tim Russert and his parents and others like them for their integrity and faith in God. And, following their example let us celebrate our freedom of choice by choosing our Loving Lord as our God and “submitting ourselves and one another and our whole lives to Christ our God” (Prayer of Divine Liturgy)
Have a blessed 4th of July,
Father Lou