Jesus tells a parable to “the chief priests” about the “Kingdom of God,” symbolized as a vineyard. Two sons are asked to “work in the vineyard.” One says “Yes,” but does not work. Jesus likens that son to the chief priests. The other says “No,” but does work. Jesus likens that son who has a … Continue reading “What is Being Asked of Us?”
Author: Editor
Scoundrels
“Let the scoundrel forsake his way,” says Isaiah. A scoundrel is a wicked person who causes division, for example, through supremacy. Jesus tells a parable about men working with others at a task but who then become scoundrels; ‘on receiving their fair wage they grumbled.’ They cause division by acting as supremacists over their co-workers. … Continue reading “Scoundrels”
Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times
Peter is pondering a limit or cap on the number of times he needs to forgive someone. He says to Jesus, “If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus famously responds, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Who of us have forgiven … Continue reading “Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times”
Cancel Culture
“You are appointed watchman,” says the Lord in Ezekiel. “When you hear me say anything, you shall warn the wicked for me.” If “you do not… the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” Jesus never appoints watchmen for the wicked liable for their deaths. Instead, Jesus … Continue reading “Cancel Culture”
Duped
“I let myself be duped,” acknowledges Jeremiah in the first reading. He knows who duped him, “You duped me O Lord.” Being duped by Lords, earthly ones who invent heavenly ones, is unfortunately rather common. Jesus in the Gospel is therefore educating disciples about Lords and not to be duped by them, “Jesus began to … Continue reading “Duped”
Anti-Abortion: Different Means and Ends
“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my community, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” You are Mary, and upon this beloved I will build my community. You are Perpetua and Felicity, and upon this endurance and happiness I will build my community. You are Hans and … Continue reading “Anti-Abortion: Different Means and Ends”
Capitalism’s Scarcity or a Mother’s Abundance?
The Old Testament reading includes priests demanding material resources from the people’s labor, “burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar.” Priests burned some of the people’s offerings but stored most for themselves, in the Temple. The Temple operated as an early bank for rulers to withdraw deposits from the people’s labor with … Continue reading “Capitalism’s Scarcity or a Mother’s Abundance?”
Healed of the Herd
Late into the night disciples are in a boat “being tossed about by the waves.” They see Jesus coming “toward them walking on the sea.” “They were terrified” “and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” Peter alone asserts he is not … Continue reading “Healed of the Herd”
What To Do With U.S. and Biblical Slave Owners?
Following Jesus late into the evening are crowds of people who are hungry. Disciples advise they be dismissed to “go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus says, “(G)ive them some food yourselves.” “Five loaves and two fishes are all we have.” “Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking … Continue reading “What To Do With U.S. and Biblical Slave Owners?”
The Old and The New
Jesus has been telling people terrorized by Empire, David’s and Caesar’s, parables about the Community of God. The Community of God is described as a treasure, a fine pearl, a net and therefore surprising, joyful, fulfilling. Upon concluding all the parables Jesus says, “Every scribe who has been instructed in the Community of God is … Continue reading “The Old and The New”