Stirring up the people

Mass Readings: April 7

First:	2 Timothy 1:13-14;2:1-3
Resp:	Psalm 1:1-4,6
Gospel:	Matthew 18:1-5

Acts 6:12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin.

How similar this looks to our political scene of today.  We spend more time stirring up the people against an individual than we do discussing and testing their ideas.  I am always suspicious of someone who's chief advantage is that they can criticize the opponent. It takes no real intelligence or wisdom to criticize. But it does take a big flaw in one's character.

Jesus said "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."  How many of our fine candidates are willing to live up to this?  Instead they will give the appearance of religion for political gain, but will doubt it's true power. If any of them really believed in Jesus Christ how could they ever deny him as their king and confess to be his follower.  When we put the political gains ahead of our faith we are truly hypocrites.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to not be critical, but to always work for the good and to give the benefit of the doubt and to seek to hear and understand. Help me to learn how to truly do the work of God by really believe in in the the one you sent, your son Jesus Christ.

Amen