As the American presidential campaign, accentuated by the debate earlier this week, continues, the nation, and the world, waits, wondering what will happen.  At this point, it's anyone's guess.
     Everyone who plans to vote will do for different reasons.  Some will focus on economic issues, others cultural, still others religious or "values," national security, and more.  In the end, however, it seems that what will be most important is that people vote not so much according to their individual needs and vision but for the greater good of the nation, however, of course, they define this.
     And that's the challenge:  what is the common good?  Without question, it's more than a single issue.  It's more than one region.  It's more than one group's concerns.  The common good is about the present, but it's about the future, too.  It's individualized, it's corporate, comprehensive and holistic.  The momentary and immediate are only the beginning.
     The common good is bigger than all of us combined.  It's possible, but inscrutable, attainable but hazy.  That's the challenge of finitude, that's the vexation of temporality.
     It's why we need a transcendent God.
     Enjoy the campaign.