The Old Testament tells of worshippers complaining to Yahweh, “You had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” Yahweh retaliates against the disloyal worshippers, “the LORD drove in quail from the sea… for the people… but while the meat was still between their teeth… the LORD’s wrath flared … Continue reading “Retaliate or Nourish”
Author: Editor
Gods of the Hunt
The New Testament reading is likely written by Paul or perhaps a follower to the people of Ephesus. It describes Paul being in prison. Paul is in prison because there are rulers who want him in prison. In today’s reading he is encouraging the people of Ephesus “to preserve the unity of the spirit through … Continue reading “Gods of the Hunt”
Rest a While
Upon the disciples returning from their healing mission, Jesus “said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’” “People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and … Continue reading “Rest a While”
Demons and Their Evil Intent
Jesus has been demonstrating a power to heal people, after which “the Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.” Though threatened with being killed, Jesus persists in healing and shares the power with others. “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two … Continue reading “Demons and Their Evil Intent”
The Significance of the Insignificant
Jesus decides to “teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this?” “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense … Continue reading “The Significance of the Insignificant”
Faith in Action
The synagogue official, Jairus, approached Jesus pleading, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She … Continue reading “Faith in Action”
Stopping the Storm
While the disciples and Jesus were in a boat, a “violent storm came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.” Jesus was asleep. “They woke him… ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! … Continue reading “Stopping the Storm”
Attention
Ancient Israel is a small nation but demands great attention due to its War Lords writing of their supremacy over others as God’s “Chosen People,” “majestic, descendants of a “royal line.” Conversely, Jesus draws great attention due to gathering a growing people’s movement, The Community of God. He describes it in humble terms, “a mustard … Continue reading “Attention”
Curing Stupid
Jesus is accused by rulers of being a demon, “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Jesus replied, ‘How can Satan drive out Satan?” “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.’” “’No one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he … Continue reading “Curing Stupid”
The Religion of Militarism’s Human Sacrifice System
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood.” Jesus’ final meal, celebrated today … Continue reading “The Religion of Militarism’s Human Sacrifice System “