Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Every four years, we engage in one of the core activities of our democratic system: a presidential election. Actually, the institution of election can be traced to traditions in the Church, and although bishops are no longer chosen in this way, abbots and abbesses (heads of monastic communities) have almost always been elected by full voting members of their communities. The lifetime appointment begins when the monks or nuns are gathered in “chapter” at the death or resignation of the abbot, and fortunately for all involved, campaigning is not allowed! The members of the community discern, with prayer to the Holy Spirit, who among them is the best suited for leadership. Once chosen, the new leader requests the blessing of the local bishop, who usually presides at a ceremony of consecration or investiture. The ballots are always secret, and a simple majority must be achieved.
In our American system the Electoral College is the determining voice in the presidential election, not the popular election on a November Tuesday, just as the monastic chapter is the electorate. Today, most religious orders elect general superiors in “chapter” by delegates of the professed members, and usually for a term of six years. A few, like the Jesuits, elect for life. At least we don’t have that weight on our shoulders when we choose a president. Four years at a time will do!
—Rev. James Field