Eastertide

May 11, 2021

Scripture Reading:
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’

So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

The right to vote and control of who can vote is all over the news right now. Voting is essential for a democracy to be a democracy. We should never take it lightly. In 2020, I voted for the first time by mail because of COVID, and I must say I was a better-informed voter.

I could not miss the significant candidates and questions. They were constantly on my TV and in my mailbox. I had not paid much attention to the two men running for county sheriff or reviewing the city charter changes. It was not hard to do. I checked the sheriff candidates’ credentials and studied the charter changes. Had I stood in line for and hours or more in the June heat, having not done my homework, I would have grabbed my ballet completed the easy parts, and most likely skipped voting for a new sheriff or expressing my opinion on the city charter issues.

I did a study a few years ago about voting participation and discovered that less than half of registered voters in Oklahoma voted most years. This count did not include those who were eligible to vote but did not register. The result was that none of our elected officials won by a majority of legal voters. Truth is political parties, and people supporting specific issues only what the people to vote who will select their candidate or cause.

We, the people, must control voting. I think everyone should be required to register to vote at the age of eighteen, just like we require people to register for the draft. I also think Australia may be on to something. In Australia, if one does not vote and does not provide a good reason for failing to vote, they pay a fine. That is a little scary to consider. We might have to improve the quality of our education system so young people learn the responsibility they have as citizens.

People of faith have another consideration. We must consider our moral obligations as a citizen and do our part in assuring that our elected officials consider what is right and wrong for their constituents when making decisions, not what is best for their party or their wealthy donors or their personal wealth.

Prayer: God of Justice, help us strive for righteousness and justice in meeting our obligations as citizens. Amen.