Rulers judge Jesus is a problem and rulers target problem people with hostility. Jesus centers himself on people as friends and is focused on being loving. It is therefore not Jesus nor his disciples who are the problem but rulers and their supporters. This is exemplified in today’s Gospel encounter when a ruler, “a scholar … Continue reading “Being Afraid to Love is the Problem”
Author: Editor
Belonging to Caesar
The ‘Chosen People’ of ancient Israel, captured by Babylon, dreamed of rebuilding their empire. When Persia’s King Cyrus defeated Babylon, he helped the Chosen people realize that dream. The people therefore acclaim Cyrus as an agent of Yahweh, “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus.” “It is I who arm you, though you know … Continue reading “Belonging to Caesar”
Being Present To Christ
Jesus uses a parable about a “wedding feast” to describe “the Kingdom of God.” Initially invited guests, representing the kingdom of Israel, refuse to come. The celebration is now open to everyone as servants are told, “Go out into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.” Later, it is discovered one … Continue reading “Being Present To Christ”
Fruitfulness in Community
Jesus tells rulers a parable about the Kingdom of God on earth by describing a farmer who plants a vineyard. He leases its care to tenant farmers who reveal themselves as both greedy and murderous, “This is (the farmer’s) heir. Come let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.” The tenant farmers represent the greedy … Continue reading “Fruitfulness in Community”
What is Being Asked of Us?
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 priests. The other says “No,” but does work. Jesus likens that son who has a change … Continue reading “What is Being Asked of Us?”
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.’ The scoundrels, men destitute of morals, cause division by acting … 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 doesn’t appoint 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”