I've been watching American politics - fascinated.
The clear hatred people have for other people who are very similar to themselves except for the colour of their scarves, is the most depressing aspect of their news. Sadly, I am seeing bits of the same thing in New Zealand politics. Has it always been like that?
The difference in my experience (I may be wrong - it may be that that now I have retired I have the time to absorb more political debate), is that the debate has moved from issues to people.
Today's gospel lays out very clear guidelines. Peter asks how often we need to forgive each other - and Jesus says that we need to forgive each other every time - for as long as it takes! (Matthew 18)
There are two ways to look at life, at creation, at political decision-making - at everything: Peter wants a ruling that justifies his separation from others - Jesus tells him that he can never be separate.
Peter seems to be angling for a "reasonable" number of forgivenesses - maybe after three forgivenesses you have done what God requires and you can go back to resentment and hatred.
Jesus' final word on the issue sums up the reason: each of us must "forgive each brother and sister from our heart". We are either wholehearted - or we are going through the motions in our head.
"Wholehearted". What a great word. We either live and love with our whole heart - or we judge with our head. Of course, we all judge, but we must then remember that we are all brothers and sisters.
People, creation, and our individual selves are all part of the body of Christ. That is the big picture.
We see it when we are wholehearted - but when we are judging and condemning and hating our hearts are not involved: all that is in our minds, evolved and honed by fear and survival.
Today is also the Feast of St Clare of Assisi - the companion of St Francis.
When we think of these great saints we remember that even the sun and moon are our brothers and sisters: we need more love and huge hearts to over-ride the judgement and hate from small minds.
Now I just need the politicians to read this. We ordinary people are moving forward - our leaders need to catch up!
