In the first reading this Sunday, Ezra is reading to the people from “the book of the law of God” and speaking out in support of their ruler, Nehemiah. He is instructing the people to support their ruler too. Nehemiah is a nationalist who is dividing the people from others. He is rebuilding a wall … Continue reading “Speaking Out”
Author: Editor
Making This Our Hour
“When the wine (at the Cana wedding) ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus told them, “Fill the jars … Continue reading “Making This Our Hour”
Expectation to Be Peacemakers
Isaiah in the Old Testament writes of the War Lord Yahweh saying, “Here is my servant whom I uphold.” Through this servant, there is the expectation of a coming triumph against enemies, “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory… and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty. “Luke in the Gospel writes, … Continue reading “Expectation to Be Peacemakers”
Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way
“When Jesus was born” “in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east” inquired, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled.” “Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained … Continue reading “Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way”
Shifting from Danger to Peace
Jesus parents are worried. Is he in danger they wonder, as “they cannot find him.” “They returned to Jerusalem to look for him.” They remained worried, concerned about him being in danger for another 3 full days. “After three days they found him.” “When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said … Continue reading “Shifting from Danger to Peace”
Advent Divinity
“Foreshadowing the union of the World! From all the ends of earth we come! Old Night, the elder sister of the Day, Mother of Dawn in the golden East, Meets in the misty twilight with her brood, Pale and black, tawny, red and brown, The mighty human rainbow of the world… The Buddha walks with … Continue reading “Advent Divinity”
Advent: Kindness
“The Children cease to play, and look at the old woman…Who is as good as all that?… our mother. She has God in her soul. She cares for us, the poor. She has given me a skirt — and some tea, and money too… How could we exist if it were not for such kind … Continue reading “Advent: Kindness”
Advent Conversion
The warrior seeks a baptism of repentance, a “kind solace in a dying hour… Know thou the secret of a spirit Bow’d from its wild pride into shame… O craving heart, for the lost flowers And sunshine of my summer hours! The undying voice of that dead time, With its interminable chime, Rings, in the … Continue reading “Advent Conversion”
Advent Awareness
Wearied of war the poet sees “with my own eyes the Sibyl at Cumae hanging in a cage, and when the boys said to her: “Sibyl, what do you want?” she answered: “I want to die.”… “What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow Out of this stony rubbish? Oh Son of man, You … Continue reading “Advent Awareness”
Kings or Kids
Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” “Jesus answered, ‘You … Continue reading “Kings or Kids”