We have now gone through the often painful process of another national election. Joe Biden has been acknowledged in the media as the president-elect on the basis of the electoral votes so far available. There is likely to be a lengthy and impassioned set of appeals and recounts. 

 

Several Senate seats are still to be resolved in the next several months. And locally there are also some unfinished counts of votes. In short, we are not yet finished with this election. Still, some conclusions can be drawn, especially for us as Catholics.

 

First, the very close result for the presidency, the House and the Senate reaffirms that as Americans we are a divided people. The vote suggests that the division is not simply in terms of the political parties, but also about the vision of the country, including the role of faith and religion in our society.

 

In some ways, that division is a sad reminder about the work that we have to do to bring about a society that reflects and lives according to the mind and heart of Christ. It is our task as believers to go to all nations, teach them what Christ has commanded us, and to witness to the need to be baptized into Christ. The election shows that we are a long way from that.

 

Arguably, for example, the results last week have not changed the conditions surrounding our national and state approach to the respect for life, at least in the House and Senate. Both parties, with their differing views about abortion and the value of pre-born human life, have for the moment retained control of the branches of government that they led prior to the voting.

 

It is true that the election of Mr. Biden places the prerogatives of the presidency in the hands of one who promised to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land, thus limiting any abortion restrictions. He also said he would implement policies to restrict the conscience protections of people like the Little Sisters of the Poor who object to being forced to provide contraceptives, contrary to their Catholic faith. Presumably these would be the positions supported by any Supreme Court nominees put forth during the next four years.

 

However, the sharply divided election also gives encouragement to the pro-life cause and its effort to extend respect and protection for all human life. There was no evidence that the electorate was eager to support any expansion of abortion or the restriction of religious liberty.

 

Similarly, the closeness of the vote, contrary to the pre-election polls and the media commentary, did not give any new clarity on other important issues such as poverty, immigration or care for the environment. 

 

Taken as a whole, as people of faith, we should see the election results as both a challenge and opportunity. Our country must continue to take care of the poor. The extraordinary efforts to help those afflicted by the consequence of the coronavirus for example, especially those who have lost jobs and income, seem to have had the support of both sides. The struggle to push both parties to agree to a just and comprehensive legal immigration policy goes on. So too will our efforts to protect and foster Catholic education. 

 

These are the opportunities for our beloved country to hear our Catholic voice and see our Catholic witness. Problems, even grave ones, will never be solved in this or any single election. But we should be energized to continue to live our Catholic faith to the fullest. And we should be encouraged that our prayers and efforts are not in vain.