Political Rhetoric And A Nation of Voyeurs
Our already morally flawed society appears hell-bent on driving the political rhetoric ever deeper toward unapologetic sleaze. At this point, more people are ‘aware’ of the lewd behavior of varying political figures, or other celebrities, than are aware that the contemplative Season of Advent is half over.
Every new titillating debacle receives 24/7 attention, all in an effort to smear the ‘other side’ of the political debate. This constant barrage of negative, unsavory ‘news’ does nothing to aid the children of God in their quest toward Eternity. The indisputably negative effect is that we are creating a nation of voyeurs – hanging onto, and repeating, every smutty detail.
Political Rhetoric, Smut, or Governing?
The daily, unrelenting narrative is blatantly being dictated to us – even by fellow conservatives. Why are we all spending so much time defending or comparing sins instead of working on matters relative to the governing of our country?
Although our economy is rebounding and unemployment is at a historical low, much improvement is vital to our survival both as a nation and as Christians. There is rampant hatred between ethnic groups and law enforcement, leaders who oppose good legislation simply because of which party proposes it, and a continuing, diabolical war on our unborn.
There are so many pressing, national issues to discuss, discern, and resolve – yet, here we are. Myriad memes, showing graphic photos to which I would prefer never be exposed, share these sentiments. Not to mention that I can’t even allow my grandchildren to look over my shoulder, while browsing Facebook.
Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Please, for the love of God, stop it!
While I am aware of the repugnant behavior of some people of fame, I have had more than enough of the details. There is no defense and no excuse. No graphic comparison will ever resonate with those who are not like-minded. Levels of guilt need no more observation and, if you have not picked up on the free flowing hypocrisy by now, I doubt that endless, salacious repetition will do the trick.
We get it. Some people do evil things. Many are faithless. Some grow in repentance and conversion. Some do not. Is it really our job to make continuous public pronouncements? Is that the best tack to take – the questionable and unreliable news on which to focus? Taking part in the disgusting pornographic exchanges going on at this point will fail to change anything or anyone.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13
Opting Out of the Political Rhetoric
The last time I checked, the news of the day doesn’t require a daily exposition of those who fail to be chaste and pure. With that as the current political, ‘news-worthy’ litmus test, many of the faithful are simply checking out of the news scene. My own family is making a concerted effort to avoid the daily diatribes of who did what to whom. The way in which this poisons our minds is simply too much to handle and of no discernible benefit. Our moral compass struggles to stay on track with the constant stream of filth. For the time being, we are simply reading a few headlines and then moving on with the rest of our day.
Our Souls Need Our Focus
It’s Advent – a season of spiritual pondering – a season of longing for the One Who came to bring Salvation. Making room for Him and allowing our souls some respite from the things of the world, is the only way to find the peace this world so badly needs. With this in mind, our lives become more settled and at peace.
Advent is the perfect time to change course and to focus on the needs of our souls. Food for the journey is found within the bosom of the Church. There is a wealth of nourishment for the soul who longs for refreshment, seeking Him in the simple living of life as a child of God. Although Advent is approaching its third week, there is so much available to us for making it a pure and joyful season. When we direct attention to being the best version of ourselves, we open ourselves for the grace we need.
Advent – A Time to Refocus
Some of the ways our family is redirecting mental focus are listed below. Please feel free to add suggestions of your own.
- Living a liturgical life – meaning that we become aware of the feast days of saints on a daily basis. A simple reading of their lives forms an example worthy of emulation.
- Advent Calendar – we have an Advent Calendar that shares a small snippet, leading up to the birth of Jesus, in tiny booklets. Each day we read one and then place it on a small tree.
- Advent Wreath – light the appropriate candles each day at mealtime. Say a prayer and call to mind your journey toward a joyous Christmas.
- Give to charities – whether a charity that assists the poor in helping themselves, an angel tree at your parish, or a school collection of gloves and hats – this helps children understand the plight of those less fortunate.
- Kindness – go caroling at a nursing home, bring cookies to a home-bound neighbor, or send Christmas cards to the lonely. Any way to brighten other lives helps keep the eternal focus in your hearts.
- Go to confession – not unlike Lent, Advent is a penitent season although not as focused on sacrifice. It is always good, however, to clean house and prepare a spiritual home for the coming Jesus.
The family, is so to speak, the domestic church. Lumen Gentium #11
Advent Counters Political Rhetoric
We are in the world but called to refrain from being of the world. Our home is with God in Heaven and our journey requires focus. Satan comes to distract us and it is in our best interest to correct course as needed. What we feed our souls becomes a part of our mental existence. This is best done by providing spiritual nourishment and counter-cultural fuel.
Walk with the wise and you become wise, but the companion of fools fares badly. Proverbs 13:20
Blessed Advent, Joyous Christmas, and a Blessed New Year!
