IN GOD WE TRUST

As a young man, Gandhi actually supported empire and colonialism. He learned and grew by making mistakes and by being in relationship. -- Eknath Easwaran as quoted in Fr Richard Rohr's "Daily Meditation," September 20, 2019

Gandhi learned and grew by making his mistakes and being willing to correct them by turning to  spiritual principles, primarily the principle of nonviolence.

This is a practical example of why we'd best stop the backward-judging of our politicians today. Of digging up what they said or did back in their day that was wrong then but not yet universally realized as such. The reverse of that, of course, is those who knew it was wrong back then and were made mock of...or worse...for it. That, ironically, is known as being right too soon.

The personal act of judging is the brain-twister. We want to be able to discern without judging. According to me that's another can't-be-done-by-willpower-alone. Discernment, according to Google, is (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.

Plain and simple, we'd best stop backward and forward judging...else what is forgiveness for? Else why even think about practicing the Sermon on the Mount? When sitting in judging of anyone, or when determined to be rigid, righteous and right about friends, enemies or even politicians, our spiritual needs are precluded.

Since the big election is upon us, we might consider Velcroing ourself to the Sermon as our personal guide. We can expend our efforts and our time seeking to understand what the candidates for any office are doing today...what and who are they supporting today.

Then we can have rational discussions with open-minded others, make our decision, and vote our conscience...and trust in God for the best outcome.

Thank you.