This weekend, I went to Mass alone at a visiting church to hear from the retiring Archbishop of Roman Catholic Church in Jamaica, the Most Rev. Lawrence Burke who was visiting to attend alumni events related to my former Jesuit high school in Jamaica. As I took my seat at this unfamiliar sanctuary, I sat next to two unknown parishioners. Let's just say that both parishioners were not of my same race. But one thing was for sure - we were there primarily to partake in the same spiritual tradition (In the Name of the Father - en el nombre del Padre, the Son - y del Hijo, and the Holy Spirit - y del Espiritu Santo) and to take communion together in the name of a mutual God.
In his homily, Bishop Burke spoke profoundly about the singular faith we shared with each other from all walks of life. As he expressed his struggles with chemo treatment for cancer, he called on the bond we shared to uplift him. Then, the congregation participated in my most favorite part of the Mass where we shared peace with each other. I turned to my congregational neighbors - we shared peace with each other - we became one under God.
Unfortunately, given the current shape of the electoral demographics, it is worrisome that we are moving away from the loyalty to our Pledge of Allegiance. The pundits in the media are now experts on what type of voters will swing in a particular way based on their race, class, or religious leaning. We have been distracted away from the primary purpose why we are called to a particular faith. I hope that we will uphold certain truths as self-evident --- and the bond that we have with each other ---- indivisible under our "respective" God with liberty and justice for all.
Let's see how our allegiance plays out tomorrow in NC and IA.
Upcoming Events:
PRIMARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA AND INDIANA - TOMORROW
Saturday, May 10th, 10am, National Voter Registration Drive - go to www.barackobama.com/voteforchange --- to find the nearest location to you to volunteer (Vote for Change Registration Event at Facebook as well). Call 305-442-7464 to VOLUNTEER
To continue support to the campaign - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/florida
Peace be with you,
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