The morning after a major event can change everything.
A patient awakens after surgery to discover whether the operation succeeded. A family awakens after a funeral knowing that someone they love will never again sit at their table. The morning after the Super Bowl, one team celebrates while another struggles with defeat.
In each case, reality must eventually be faced.
The operation cannot simply be repeated. The funeral cannot be undone. The Super Bowl cannot be replayed because the losing team dislikes the score.
And then comes November 4th, the morning after America’s election.
What will we awaken to?
Will we accept the results of a legitimate election, even when our preferred candidates lose? Or will disappointment turn into accusations, anger, bitterness, and demands that reality somehow be rewritten?
There is an important distinction between questioning legitimate irregularities and refusing to accept verified results. Democracy requires both honest scrutiny and the courage to accept an outcome we dislike.
Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross described denial as one possible response to grief. Acceptance is another. Although grief does not follow a predictable sequence, her insight offers a powerful lesson.
We cannot begin healing what we refuse to acknowledge. As Fr. John Powell, S.J. once said, “Healing can only begin when the blaming stops.”
Jesus understood the destructive power of refusing truth. He told His followers, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
Truth is not always comfortable. Sometimes it disappoints us. Sometimes it challenges our deepest convictions. Sometimes it requires admitting that we lost.
Jesus teaches us that humility is not weakness. It is strength.
And democracy requires humility from winners as well as losers.
Winning an election does not give anyone permission to humiliate opponents. Losing does not justify rejecting legitimate results or treating fellow citizens as enemies.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)
Notice that He did not say, “Blessed are the winners.”
On November 4th, America will still have the same neighbors, families, disagreements, and responsibilities it had on November 3rd.
The election will have determined who governs. It will not have determined whom we are called to love.
The morning after the election, the real question is not simply who won or lost.
It is whether we have the wisdom, humility, and courage to remain one nation under God.
By Medard Laz
I have used Fr. John Powell’s quote several times in my homilies over the years – “Healing can only begin when the blaming stops.” Dozens and dozens of people stop me after mass, email me or call me to be sure they have the wording correct. I can tell how these words are affecting their lives.
Who will YOU look to for wisdom, humility and courage on November 4th so that we might heal and remain one nation under God?
TO SAY THAT I AM MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD IS TO SAY THAT LOVE IS THE REASON WHY I AM HERE TODAY. FOR GOD IS LOVE!
