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?”
Author: Editor
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, among other things, described as a treasure, a fine pearl, a net and thus surprising, joyful, fulfilling. Upon concluding all the parables Jesus says, “Every scribe who has been instructed in the Community … Continue reading “The Old and The New”
Plan for Bold Love
Ancient War Lords always had a master plan. To sanctify their master plan, they invented mirror image Master War Lords, like Yahweh. So it is that Yahweh is described in today’s Old Testament reading as a “master of might” whose plan is for “mastery over all things.” Jesus has no “master” plan for “mastery.” His … Continue reading “Plan for Bold Love”
The Climate of Militarism
Affirming nature, its beauty and goodness, is the long term pattern, or climate, of the Gospel. Jesus’ words and actions create an atmosphere of communion with nature. He shows gratitude for the gifts of nature. The Gospel climate of affirming nature is especially true in Jesus’ parables, like The Sower this Sunday. The Sower’s seeds … Continue reading “The Climate of Militarism”
Conspiracy Theories
In Jesus’ time, learned scholars, closed off from the people, devised rules for the people to obey. Often using specialized language, the scholars asserted knowledge, especially about a violent God, hidden from mere commoners. The learned rulers kept the people divided, arguing over minutiae about their God’s rules. In contrast, Jesus spoke openly in public, … Continue reading “Conspiracy Theories”
Risking A Civilized World
During Jesus’ time, family meant tribal safety in a threatening world. When Jesus draws people away from family, as he does in this Sunday’s Gospel, he is replacing tribalism with community and safety with risk. He tells potential followers about the risk, “take up your cross and follow after me.” The risk happens because tribal … Continue reading “Risking A Civilized World”
Nursing Courage
Jesus is encouraging disciples for persecution that awaits them. “Jesus said to the Twelve: ‘Fear no one.’” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, violent men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a violent disease like … Continue reading “Nursing Courage”
A Red Flag
Jesus is telling the crowds, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Those listening quarrel at the thought. Who would not put up a red flag after that? A red flag is used to warn of danger. When Jesus speaks of … Continue reading “A Red Flag”