Elections 2012

Two weeks from today is election day.   Two weeks and we’re down to the wire, folks.  This is the day we’ve all been anxiously waiting for, praying for, working for and talking about.   We’ve educated people, we’ve done our homework, encouraged others to do their homework, and now it’s time for the “Ready or not, here come the elections!”

There are many issues at stake.  I’ve had many conversations with people about voting, not voting, who to vote for, election issues (important issues/not-so-important issues/why this issue matters more than that issue), etc.  This morning, as a matter of fact, I had a conversation with a guy a few years older than myself.  He argued that he doesn’t want to vote because he doesn’t like either candidate.  Good reason NOT to vote?  I THINK NOT.

There are many life and death (LITERALLY)  issues at stake.  Abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, etc. etc. etc.  It is our duty to uphold and defend the dignity of every human life, and it is our duty to vote for the candidate who is most in line with our moral beliefs on these life issues.  Is either candidate going to match all our “hopes” in a candidate?  No.  Is either going to follow through 100% perfectly with all his promises?  No.  Does this mean we shouldn’t vote???!?!?!?!?  NO!

Right now I am asking myself “Why are people not taking voting seriously?!!” “Why are people not voting at all?!!” “Are these issues ‘not important enough’ for people to vote on????!!!”  I’ve been conversing quite a lot with people about the elections.  One thing that continually comes up in conversation is the old saying “It’s never too late.”  We can still change hearts.

You might be asking yourself, “why is she talking about changing hearts when the elections are only two weeks away?”  Glad you asked.  Here’s why:

There IS still time to change hearts!  If this change of heart does not happen in conversation, then most definitely through prayer (which goes unspoken that we should have been doing already.)  This morning I read on catholicexchange.com an amazing article by Fr. Frank Pavone http://catholicexchange.com/keep-your-eyes-on-the-prize/.  There is still time.  Hearts can change and be awakened to the very important challenge that lies ahead.  We can plant seeds in hearts and nurture them with care and compassion . . . . and yes, sometimes weeding.  Are we willing and ready to accept that challenge?  Yes!

So, why do people not want to vote according to their religious convictions or not vote at all?  Religious hostility, moral decline, the “anything goes” mentality, boil down to the fact that people do not want to be personally accountable for their actions, and they therefore deny the existence of God, to Whom they are, in actuality, accountable.  You and I are called to witness to them.

Are you ready for the challenge?!!  I know I am.