It is not much longer and we shall be electing a new President. We hear pundits referring to the “most divisive election in history.” Historically we know it is not. Without a doubt the most divisive was the election of 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was elected President. Soon after 13 states of the Union separated and the Civil War began.
During the depths of this war Lincoln made the momentous decision to separate paper currency from the gold standard. Salmon P. Chase, the Treasury Secretary, added “In God We Trust” to the currency because we were printing money on a prayer with no gold to back it!
It is a nice story, not entirely true. Secretary Chase added it at the request of the American public and sent the Treasury the following instructions: “No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.”
So what has this got to do with being Benedictine?
Tell me what it is that you like about our Abbey? Is it the architecture? The beautiful windows? More than likely you will say both but you will also indicate the peace that you feel there. At the risk of being corrected I would submit it is the monks’ trust in God that all is unfolding under God’s watchful eye as well as their acceptance of His will that develops that peace. Place your hope in God alone. (RB 4:41)
We also are called to develop that peace in our day-to-day lives and to spread that peace to those around us. But we have to begin with ourselves. Take to heart “In God We Trust.” We must seek, on a daily basis, the peace God will give us if we ask. Spend more time in prayer and Lectio and honestly seek God’s guidance in your relations with others. Pray for them and assume they have formed their decisions in good conscience.
Remember also “Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ should come before all else. You are not to act in anger or nurse a grudge. Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love.” (RB 4:20-26)
Finally, by the time of your next newsletter the election will be over. The voters will have made their decision and we will have a new President. Pray for that person no matter who it may be and continue to spread peace among the people you know. “Pray for your enemies out of love of Christ. If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with [them] before the sun goes down. And finally, never lose hope in God’s mercy.” (RB 4:72-74) For In God We Trust.
George Cobb, OblSB.
