(Please read this Scripture passage first, before the homily.)
Is your candidate for public office the Chosen One of God or the One Anointed by the Spirit? King Saul had that said of him, but that God replaced Saul with David. If you will not speak to those of the other main political party, then go back and reread the Scripture for today.
Paul was talking about the factions in Corinth, not the factions of political parties, but the factions of endorsing one or other of the apostles. Paul called that behavior, childish, so much so that he had to give them baby formula instead of adult spiritual food.
If the backing one apostle over another is childish and blameworthy, how much more is the faction involving political candidates. The apostles had proclaimed the word of God; they had planted the seed and watered it, but God have given the growth. Politicians proclaim the word of themselves, saying, “If I am elected, I promise to . . . “
Our bishops are promoting a challenge, called “Civilize It”. They call upon us to soften our stances against others. What happens if we invite somebody from the other party to a meal? What happens if we start to look on the opponent as human, as having good reasons, which we do not understand, for positions taken? What happens when we see the others as ordinary people with hopes and challenges similar to ours?
Only one person can win an election, but God remains forever. Politicians win some elections and lose others, but God remains God. If we believe in God, then we must believe that God will not desert us even if our favorite candidate fails to win election.
In other words, God is God. Like the Corinthians, we have to grow up, put aside our divisions and egos, and eat the solid food that pulls us all together in God’s kingdom.
St Paul called the Corinthians childish. He could also have told them to civilize it, or to grow up. How does Paul’s letter to the Corinthians speak to us in the midst of this campaigning season for public office?