God is ELIKYA

Elikya means hope.
 

Whether last night was a cause for disappointment or celebration, it was indeed a cause for an historical witness of our country. More and more young people are tuned into politics and voicing their beliefs and opinions. The rhetoric however, turned ugly fast when the election came to an end. It was truly troubling from the reactions of both sides. Hate and anger were on the lips or fingers of many, believers and non-believers alike. Whether you are for or against President Obama, one thing should be clear, there is neither room for despair nor much for celebration because there is still much to do. It is not the time to draw more lines between one another. Rather, we must learn to work together to move the country forward. As Obama says, it doesn’t and it shouldn’t matter if “you’re black or white, or Hispanic or Asian, or Native American, or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight,” you can make it if you’re willing to try. As the U.S. continues to fall further down on the global ranking in education and economics, let us hope this is a wake-up call for the change that is much needed.

Last night also showed some interesting numbers between the “Catholic vote.” Fox News’ exit poll (I watch Fox News for entertainment purposes but sometimes they are useful) shows that 42% of Catholics who attended weekly mass voted for Obama compared to 56% who do not attend weekly. 57% and 42% are the numbers for Romney voters. There is certainly a shift among younger Catholics who do not have the same sense of attachment on the key issues as their elders did. I am no expert, but speaking from being one myself, it is irresponsible to perceive of our civic duties in narrow terms such as abortion rights and same sex marriage. The rising generation is becoming more tolerant and welcoming to diversity. It is being shaped by the longest economic recession since the Great Depression and a war lasting for more than a decade. Unfortunately, it is also drifting away from organized religion and becoming more secular. The “Nones” now make up the second largest religious grouping after the 22% Catholics in the population. These numbers are appalling and it is time to ask, how can the Church respond?

I think one thing for sure is that there is a struggle of how to balance one’s conscience. The Church teaches that abortion and gay marriage are intrinsically evil and must be opposed. But what about cutting taxes for the rich and slashing social spending which hurts the poor? These are also intrinsically evil and must be opposed. How does one weigh these two issues on the scale of truth? One less appreciated aspect of the Church is its social teachings. It is something that the Church cannot afford to ignore in the midst of the growing and rising younger generation.

I began with God is Elikya and I will end with that sense of hope. This year is the 50^th anniversary of Vatican II and I continue to hold the belief that the Church is the bearer of the message for universal salvation for all. We are called to open the windows to see the signs of the time and respond to it. As the Jesuit’s motto suggests, we need to find God in all things and at all times. There is no doubt at times I struggle with the Church. But there is no doubt, I love my Church. The Church over the course of time has shown again that it is not a museum where saints are displayed. It is rather a hospital for sinners, but more importantly beloved sinners. Among the sinners are home to extraordinary people like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope John XXIII, Padre Pio, Dorothy Day, and the many good people and charities that aid the poor, needy, orphans, sick and widows today. Looking at Peter in the gospels gives me some comfort in knowing that I do not need to be the best disciple to do great work. Despite his shortcomings, he could still be useful to God and in which Jesus entrusts his sheep.

God definitely is Elikya. This hope calls us to not forget as Cardinal Dolan calls, the ‘uns’: “the un-employed, un-insured, un-wanted, un-wed mother and her innocent, fragile un-born baby in her womb, the un-documented, the un-housed, the un-fed, and the under-educated.” We cannot run away from our mission and the mission of Jesus.

May we remember that there is still much to do. And may the God of Elikya be always with us as we continue to humble ourselves, bend over, and wash the feet of our sisters and brothers.