“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” Jesus is led away from family, friends, even physical sustenance and he is hungry. Yet Jesus has been led by the Spirit to this … Continue reading “Led By The Spirit”
Author: Editor
Lovers Gonna Love
Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” From whom have we heard it said, “hate your enemy?” It is from the cult of Militarism. Militarism trains its soldiers to hate enemies. Haters gonna hate. Be it soldiers of nationalism or white … Continue reading “Lovers Gonna Love”
The Inchained
Jesus is disobedient to the rulers of his time; the “scribes and Pharisees,” so too “the Sanhedrin.” He will not be chained by them, made subservient to their divisive rules or system. He is free and encourages others to be free. Join in common unity; “be reconciled with your brother.” Rulers are more agitated Jesus … Continue reading “The Inchained”
Light In The Darkness
Isaiah writes, “(I)f you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness.” So too Jesus speaks of bestowing Beatitudes or Blessings and then telling us, “You are the light of the world.” “Just so, your light must shine before others.” “Give your light to … Continue reading “Light In The Darkness”
Changing the Narrative
The stories of the Old Testament are replete with the religion of Militarism’s warriors and their glory. That truth is reflected in this Sunday’s Psalm, “Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong, mighty in battle.” (#24) That narrative changes with the Gospel which tells us the story of a baby, Jesus, and his … Continue reading “Changing the Narrative”
Called to Community
Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit. In the midst of rulers who devise division and hatred, Jesus is on a Spirited mission for community and love. “As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.” “He said to them, “Come after … Continue reading “Called to Community”
A Dove’s Mission
Jesus receives the Spirit in the form of a dove as John the Baptist gives witness, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.” Doves periodically appeared in early art; from Mesopotamia and Syria to the Canaanites, Israelites, and Greeks. Doves have tended to represent love, romance, and … Continue reading “A Dove’s Mission”
The Authority of Artists
Jesus is beginning his creative expression on this earth. He will author much beauty across his life. He is an artist, born of Divinity. It is confirmed in his baptism, “and behold, the heavens were opened and John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Jesus.” We are … Continue reading “The Authority of Artists”
Who Knew the Magi Were Parents?
“Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.” “Where is the newborn,” they wondered. Then, they “saw his star rising” “and stopped over the place where the child was.” “On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.” Then what? Might the Magi have forewarned the new parents about kids, ‘A child develops … Continue reading “Who Knew the Magi Were Parents?”
Journeys of Holy Families
An angel said to Joseph in a dream, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod… is searching for the child to destroy him.” Who would want to destroy a child? What must be the anguish, the horror to be a parent who fears for … Continue reading “Journeys of Holy Families”