Thursday of Week 32 in Ordinary Time (Year II)
Saint Leo the Great, Pope, Doctor
Philemon 1:7-20 | Psalm 145(146):7-10 | Luke 17:20-25
Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’ (Luke 17:20-21)
As I write these words, it’s a foregone conclusion that Donald Trump is the U.S. President-elect of 2016.
As I write these words, social media is awash with melodrama and hysteria, and the mass media is playing up scenes of manic jubilation and wailing despair in a bid for viewers’ attention.
As I write these words, the financial markets are rocking and rolling, buffeted by panicked uncertainty.
And yet…the most important thing on this earth has not changed. The kingdom of God on earth began with Christ’s death and resurrection, and still exists within us. We are charged with the sowing of the seed of the kingdom, the Good News that God is with us, and always will be.
We live in this world, but we are not of this world. This world may shudder at the thought of a great nation helmed by Trump, but for us, our hope is in Christ our Redeemer and Saviour, not any mortal being, no matter how powerful.
But since we live in this world, it is our prerogative, and indeed our duty, to pray for our temporal leaders, in the fashion of a Solemn Intercession from Good Friday:
IX. FOR THOSE IN PUBLIC OFFICE
Let us pray also for those in public office,
that our God and Lord
may direct their minds and hearts according to his will
for the true peace and freedom of all.Almighty ever-living God,
in whose hand lies every human heart
and the rights of peoples,
look with favour, we pray,
on those who govern with authority over us,
that throughout the whole world,
the prosperity of peoples,
the assurance of peace,
and freedom of religion
may through your gift be made secure.
Through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
Lord, grant President Trump the wisdom he needs to lead his nation productively. Touch his heart, so that he may learn the way of compassion. Forgive him all his sins, and as we approach the season of Advent, may your faithful in America and the world continue to spread your eternal message of hope, love, joy and peace. Amen.