America the Beautiful begins with beautiful dispositions in her people.
St. Francis of Assisi and Loren Cunningham (founder of YWAM) both taught that Christians should counter forces of hatred and violence, greed and pride with “the opposite spirit.”
Friends, let’s oppose hatred with love, violence with the hard work of peacemaking, greed with generosity and arrogance with humility.
This goes for conservatives and progressives, Sanders and Trump supporters – anyone with a conscience and care for her or his neighbor.
Let’s also oppose hyperbole, agitation propaganda and outright lies with critical thinking, consensus building and good information that engender hope.
We can argue passionately – and enjoy a meal.
We can debate policies – and apply shared principles.
We can build a better future, one shared meal (and Eucharist) at a time.