Rector's Message on the US Election

 This short piece appears in this week's parish newsletter and is offered here for wider circulation.  MP+

6 November, 2024

Dear Saints:

 As I write this I am, like many of you, I suspect, digesting the news of the American election.    Today some will be elated by the outcome, and others will be dismayed.   In the short term, I think it’s likely that the animosity and grievance between these two groups will only increase.  In the longer term, it’s easy to see only cause for fear and pessimism.

As Canadians, we are not insulated from how our American friends and neighbours govern themselves.   We are tied to them in so many ways, from culture and trade to sports and holidays.    For decades we’ve depended on America to guard our freedom and to uphold human rights, fair trade, and international law.    Who knows if these certainties will continue?   Perhaps, as it feels, we are on the brink of some new and ominous chapter in world history.

I draw comfort from this coming Sunday’s second lesson from Hebrews, which promises that “Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Heb 9.28).  

Hebrews assures us that Jesus, who was present when God “created all things” (Heb 1.2), is our faithful king and high priest who will return to set all things to rights.   We may find ourselves living in dark and sinful times, but Jesus has already saved us from our sin and darkness.   Our task is to wait patiently, to obey Jesus’ command to love God and our neighbour, and to trust that light will prevail.

In a few weeks we will be in Advent, a time for patient waiting and trust in Christ, the light that no darkness can overcome.   It may well be that in Advent we find our true politics.

Fr Michael