With the long lead up to our federal elections plodding along, I have been listening to policies and wading through issues. At the same time I confess to being "bamboozled"by the American presidential election process. The alternate Psalm for today (psalm 146 verse 3) warns against putting our trust in princes. This might be one biblical teaching that our current culture has embraced with a weary cynicism.

We frequently hear the assertion that all politicians are untrustworthy and that the political process is completely unresponsive to the desire and needs of those it is meant to serve. We do not trust our princes. Why should we?

Many are appalled at current policies on refugees and the detention of those who have risked their lives seeking asylum in Australia. We are concerned about possible changes to 'super' contributions, while there is a push towards more self funded retirements. The rich are getting richer, while the poor continue to get poorer. Yet the bible reminds us over and over again that “The Lord cares for the stranger in the land, God upholds the widow and the fatherless", as is clear from today's readings.

Knowing how flawed our political processes, and some of its participants, might be, what is our responsibility and calling, as communities of faith with regard to our princes? How often do we pray for, write to, support and advise those we have elected? How might we embrace those who, for noble or base reasons, offer themselves to the political process?

Food for thought?