People are searching for Jesus. When they find him, Jesus challenges them as to why, “You are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate loaves and were filled.” Jesus challenges them further, to follow his Way, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger.” The … Continue reading “Bread of Life: Farming”
Author: Editor
Resilience for Life
“A large crowd followed Jesus, because they saw the healings he was performing on the sick.” When he “saw the large crowd coming to him, he said to Philip, ‘Where can we get enough food for them to eat?’” “Philip answered him, Two hundred days wages worth of food would not be enough for each … Continue reading “Resilience for Life”
Mission for All Time
Disciples had been sent on a healing mission by Jesus. After returning they “told him all they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.’ But people were coming in great numbers.” When he “saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with compassion … Continue reading “Mission for All Time”
Authority and Autonomy: Abortion
Jesus sent out the disciples “two by two and gave them authority over unhealthy spirits.” “So the disciples… drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” Authority has roots in the term auger, the farm implement used to open the soil. Auger, and thus authority, means we … Continue reading “Authority and Autonomy: Abortion”
God’s Will for the Fourth of July
God willing the violent death of sinners is a common prophecy of the Old Testament. They “have rebelled against me,” says the Lord. “(T)hey shall die for their sin.” (Ez 2) God wills a Chosen People in a Chosen Empire are ruled by a violent messianic warrior who kills enemy sinners, “My chosen one… (who) … Continue reading “God’s Will for the Fourth of July”
Charity, Justice, Healing
Among those who harm Jesus are officials of the synagogue. One day, one of those officials, Jairus, “fell at Jesus’ feet and pleaded,” “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” Jesus went to Jairus’ home and “entered the room where … Continue reading “Charity, Justice, Healing”
Into The Wind
Jesus directs disciples onto a boat to “cross to the other side.” But “a violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat.” While “Jesus was in the stern, asleep” the disciples were afraid, “Do you not care that we are perishing.” Jesus woke up and said to the wind and sea, “Quiet! … Continue reading “Into The Wind”
Seeds of Life
“Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is how it is with the Community of God; it is as if a farmer were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, but the farmer knows not how. Of its own … Continue reading “Seeds of Life”
Leaving Militarism
Today’s reading from Exodus says Moses, Aaron, and other warlords “sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord.” They did so believing the “Lord” would then not sacrifice them, “the Lord did not lay a hand on these chosen Israelites.” The reading from Hebrews tells us Jesus’ “own blood” is “sacrificed” to the “Lord.” … Continue reading “Leaving Militarism”
DeMoralize the Police
Jesus addresses disciples, “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Jesus’ words are often called the ‘The Great Commission.’ Persons he has helped shape as peacemakers he sends out to give authoritative witness to the Way of communion, love, and … Continue reading “DeMoralize the Police”