Giving The Mute Button A Workout - October 23, 2010

Daily Lectionary Readings for October 23, 2010
Psalm 15
Micah 7:1-7
Revelations 10:1-11
Luke 11:1-13

Micah 7:1-7
"Their hands are skilled to do evil;
the official and the judge ask for a bribe,
and the powerful dictate what they desire;
thus they pervert justice.
The best of them is like a brier,
the most upright of them a thorn hedge."(vs.3-4)
This passage was in front of my eyes as yet another cartoonish political ad was in my ears (mute button since pushed).  The passage seems compatible with the commercial.  The powerful do seem to dictate what they desire.  The best of them is like a brier and the most upright does seem like a thorn hedge.  Each campaign season someone (sometimes me) says, "These are the worst ads ever.  They have reached a new low."  Usually the low they reach is not a new one, it's the same one they hit last time and will again next time.  Something about the campaign process brings out the worst in those of whom we should hope for the best.  It's a troublesome time of the year.  There are truly issues worthy of discussion and important events at ever level from local to national and yet we are subjected to personal attacks and overly simplistic at best and sladerous at worst portrayals of the candidates.  What to do?  Pray for the candidates.  Pray for our communities.  Pray for our nation and for our world.  And keep the mute button handy - you'll need it.