These days in the ongoing saga of contemporary America there is a goldmine of fodder for reflection and commentary. Today I turn to another reality of the times: a person nominated for the Supreme Court whose character casts such an ominous shadow that an overwhelming majority of Americans feel he should not be confirmed. Unfortunately, that majority opinion seems not, at this writing, to dissuade the elected officials who will make the decision. The latest wrinkle in the political quilt of nonpartisanship that for the moment characterizes “government for and by the people” is an accusation by a woman from the nominee’s past who accuses him of attempted rape when they were high school classmates. As the denials and counter denials fly back and forth and the talking heads on cable and local news programs keep us updated, I have as is my wont, reflected upon what a “Christian” nation and its “Christian” officials charged with this serious judicial appointment should hold paramount. As usual, I find my answer in holy scripture. The prophet Micah writes, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Before his father in law offered him advice on how more efficiently he could serve God’s people, Moses was a lone judge for the Israelites. Jethro said to him: “… select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them… Have them serve as judges for the people…” (Exodus 18: 18-22) So what should be paramount in the appointment of judges? They should be men or women who are capable – educated in the law and its nuances; individuals who love God and demonstrate that love by acts of justice and mercy and humility in service to God’s people; candidates who are trustworthy as evidenced by their past and present actions in thought, word and deed; and persons who are honest, whose honesty is verifiable by public and private records. If the current nominee fails in either of these criteria, his nomination should be scrubbed. At least that’s what a legislative body that claims adherence to the Christian faith ought to do. In my mind anyway.
Peace. Blessings. Love.
This legislative body adheres to the loyalty of self promotion at “all costs!” Let’s see, that seems to also describe the executive branch, as well as this nominee to the judicial branch of government. So, who is serving the people of this nation? Lord, we need Your help!