I was taking an Uber today and the one hour ride was quite peaceful, even when the reality of voting came up. She expressed her extreme reservations about a candidate she didn’t name, making it clear she was firmly for abortion rights. I sat and listened. Instead of evading her comment or engaging in disagreement, I simply said that there were many troubling realities that this election is facing, with many conflicting voices.
She agreed as she pulled up into a place that had a definite and visible Catholic/religious presence. Then she asked me what religion I practiced and I said Catholic. I said nothing more than that. She simply responded by saying she knows a few Catholic people. As I was getting out of the car, she told me to have a beautiful and fun time.
I laughed, saying I wasn’t certain how much fun I would have here, as a monk in full regalía (habit) was passing by, but I hoped it would be peaceful. She agreed with a huge smile. I told her I would pray for her, or something similar.
I encountered God in an Uber ride. On Election Day!