The Gospel of Matthew includes a story of Magi, wise ones who seek a child, “We saw his star rising.” They offer “him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” The story is told to link with an Old Testament story but erroneously so, for it tells of warriors who seek plunder, “all shall come bearing … Continue reading “The Myrrh of Artificial Intelligence”
Tag: Pope Francis
Educating for Lasting Peace
We learn from the story of the Magi that those who are wise seek out peacemakers to be educated by them, ‘We saw the child’s star rising… and have come to follow him.’ We learn from the story of Herod that those who are rulers target peacemakers and lie about being educated by them, ‘Go … Continue reading “Educating for Lasting Peace”
Institutions Will Not Save Us
“Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem” where they told “King Herod” of their quest. They seek a newborn holy one, “We saw his star rising.” The Magi are scientists and believers open to epiphanies, to experiencing the essential meaning of divinity present in the world. They cultivate care for the natural world and all … Continue reading “Institutions Will Not Save Us”
From the Heart the Mouth Speaks
Two little kids, aged eight and six, decide it’s time they started swearing. So, the eight-year-old says to the six-year-old, “Okay, I’ll say ‘hell’ and you say ‘damn” All excited about their plan, they head downstairs, where their mother asks them what they’d like for breakfast.“‘Aw, hell,” says the eight-year-old, ‘gimme some Cheerios.’” His mother … Continue reading “From the Heart the Mouth Speaks”
Beginning With Peace
Sunday’s readings begin with a passage from Isaiah referred to as the Suffering Servant. It is about one who will fight to “bring forth justice to the nations.” He will not “cry out” nor “shout,” “a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench until he establishes justice on … Continue reading “Beginning With Peace”
Can We Celebrate a Humble Christmas Season?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist is sought after as a man of integrity, humble and wise. Some people begin to wonder if he is the Christ. Being humble John deflects any potential glory and directs people toward another: “there is one who comes after me.” Interestingly enough, Jesus, who John is heralding, also … Continue reading “Can We Celebrate a Humble Christmas Season?”
Company Men
One of Jesus followers, John, is upset that a person not of their company is calling on Jesus’ name to drive out demons. A demon is a spirit of negativity, an adversary that harms and even destroys. Someone who cannot live a fully human life because they are possessed by a demonic or obstructive spirit … Continue reading “Company Men”
Hearing the Cry of the Poor and the Earth
There is an analogy between Jesus’ Gospel witness this Sunday and Pope Francis’ recent encyclical on the earth, Laudato Si. The particular ingredient of the analogy is the transformation of a system that marginalizes people. Both Jesus and Pope Francis give care to people who are made poor, sick, and forgotten by directing healing attention … Continue reading “Hearing the Cry of the Poor and the Earth”
Bread of Life
In the Gospel, Jesus is called the Bread of Life, meaning a source of nourishment shared for all. Jesus calls disciples to be nourishing as well. Helping to nourish people, physically and spiritually, is a basic ingredient of discipleship in Christ. As author Monika Hellwig wrote, disciples learned that to be true to Jesus they … Continue reading “Bread of Life”