3 December.  Elections and governance. Isaiah, judges and prophets. Many countries of the world held elections this year of national or local leadership, sometimes voting for specific individuals or for political parties.  There were a good number of dramatic surprises.  Whatever the outcomes and whatever form their government is taking there has been plenty of in-fighting, criticism, vilification of opponents in the battle for power and also, as quite a new feature, disinformation and fake news.  Eventually it is up to us, the people, to check how true they are to the values they expressed and the promises they made. In our country with its new GNU government there is little change, and corruption and extortion indicate crime has not yet been properly addressed.  The most recent US election outcome was both surprising and significant, as Donald Trump will return to the White House and, as before, is likely to rule by his own will and decrees.  In these elections one cannot but wonder if the people in general have taken seriously enough their role and responsibility of choosing for the common good and for ethical leaders. Was the synodal approach to discernment, of reflection, sharing and dialogue well used?

Scripture:  On that day there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding.   He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Is  11:1-10.  Pope Francis:  Not every increase in power represents progress for humanity.  We need only think of the admirable technologies that were employed to decimate populations, drop atomic bombs and annihilate ethnic groups. That risk is always present, because our immense technological development has not been accompanied by a development in human responsibility, values and conscience.   We stand naked and exposed in the face of our ever-increasing power, lacking the wherewithal to control it.  LD24.   Reflect, share, and pray:  Let us aim to be good leaders in our own lives and pray for a good, ethical leadership for our country and in all areas of life. Include a special prayer for peace every day.