Dear Disciples of Jesus,
I begin each day by dwelling in the readings from the Daily Lectionary found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship. In light of the emotionally-charged election season we have just been through, the words of Jesus from yesterday’s gospel reading spoke to me in a powerful way: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
Many in our congregations and communities are celebrating the results of Tuesday’s elections. Many others in our congregations and communities are grieving these same results.
As those who have been justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, our identity does not depend on our political affiliation or on whether our preferred candidate won or lost. Our identity depends only on the promise given us in baptism: “Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Our identity, as well as the identity of those in our congregations with whom we may disagree, depends only on Christ. It is Christ who unites us and who sends us forth into the world to share in Christ’s mission of reconciling love.
What do we do now that the elections have come and gone? We do what we have always done as disciples of Jesus seeking to live out our baptismal identity in the world. We live among God’s faithful people. We hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper. We proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed. We serve all people, following the example of Jesus. We strive for justice and peace in all the earth. And, perhaps, we all recommit ourselves to doing so a bit more fervently than before as we live out Jesus’ command to love one another. After all, that is who we are.
Almighty God, we lift before you all who govern and all who have been elected to public office. Be present with President Biden and Vice-President Harris as they continue to lead our nation during this time of transition. Be present with President-Elect Trump and Vice-President-Elect Vance as they prepare for their time in office. May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from you to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people. Drive from us cynicism, selfishness, and corruption; grant in your mercy just and honest government; and give us grace to live together in unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 77).
Centered in Christ +
Bishop Busboom