New President

Did I ever tell you that I met him? It was about two years ago, I was at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in DC. I was leaving to see some friends from CRS and as I was leaving the hotel when I saw Barack. He was glad handing a few folks. I know what this feels like to have a bunch of folks looking to talk to me and I could tell he was ready to head home...it was late that night close to 10:30PM. After greeting a bunch of folks (even then he was getting lots of press) he stopped with this kid. He must have talked to this kid for a solid five minutes. Not someone he knew but still he stopped after a full day of work. I was awestruck because he took so much time with the kid. He did not know the kid, but stopped and chatted him up like he was his nephew or something, I could not believe it. One thing my photo does not catch is the time Obama was stooped down to talk to the kid (it was noisy and it helped him hear the kid). He was genuinely interested in the kid and his life. He asked about his plans for the future and how important it was to stay in school and do well...etc! I was amazed with his care for the kid. Anyway after his conversation he ran for the door and I ducked outside to say hello. Needless to say his words to me were brief. When I shook his hand I also did that thing where you grab the arm as well, all I can say is he is really skinny. Even though he had on a jacket and coat, I knew I was grabbing a bony shoulder. Anyway that was my brush with 44. Let us keep him and all world leaders in our prayer, that they will work for peace and justice for all. Here is the prayer for the President from the Sacramentary.

God our Father,
all earthly powers must serve you.
Help our President Barack Obama
to fulfill his responsibilities worthily and well.
By honoring and striving to please you at all times,
may he secure peace and freedom
for the people entrusted to him.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.