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?”

Inside Edition: John and All Truthtellers

Though I live in the desert, my senses bring in so much. I see the beauty of people and the verdant landscape. I see too their suffering and its depletion. I hear words of love spoken and laughter exclaimed. I hear too the cry of the poor their sobbing cascading. I feel the softness of … Continue reading “Inside Edition: John and All Truthtellers”

Inside Edition: Jesus and All Babies

Lately, I’ve had the sense I’m upside down. No one has told me this, I just have the sense I am. Shall I be so forever? Will this existence here be my existence forever? Shall this home be my only home? I think not. I can conceive of so much more, for I keep changing. … Continue reading “Inside Edition: Jesus and All Babies”

The Myth of Chosen Ones

People who believe they are ‘Chosen Ones’ are undertaking a violent coup. They believe their mythical warrior deity, ‘the Lord,’ has unchosen Saul as King and chosen David. “(T)he LORD said to David, ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” Soldiers will switch their allegiance from one king to another. … Continue reading “The Myth of Chosen Ones”

What in God’s Name?

Jesus is naming the many terrors rulers always devise and challenging us about them. Be peacemakers during the terror of rulers and their soldiers who will always devise “wars and insurrections.” Be conscientious when rulers and their soldiers devise for “nation to rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,” as they always do. Be courageous … Continue reading “What in God’s Name?”