“Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” The first reading from Ecclesiastes warns the pursuit of things consumes the fool. Lost in the consumption is our soul. Jesus tells a parable of a soul so very foolishly consumed, “A rich man, whose land produced a bountiful harvest” ponders, ‘What shall I do?’ ‘I shall build … Continue reading “Human Consumption”
Author: Editor
Ask, Seek, Knock
Jesus lives in the middle of a culture whose militant rulers are persistent about their lack of care. Rulers do not care for sinners; for women, children, those who are poor, and others. If we add up the numbers of those harmed by that lack of care, will it add to the bravery and courage … Continue reading “Ask, Seek, Knock”
Magic Kingdom
Abraham is known for a rather famous offer of hospitality to travelers, “please do not go on past … let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves.” Afterward, Abraham is rewarded, “One of them said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have … Continue reading “Magic Kingdom”
How Bold Are We?
When the War Lords of the Old Testament invented a god, they made him in their image and likeness, to be feared and obeyed. Their deity is contrived as loving but is observably abusive. Those obedient to/abused by the War Lords and their invented deity were to love but only their rulers and each other … Continue reading “How Bold Are We?”
Shaking Persecutors
Isaiah spends much of his writing affirming Yahweh’s persecution of disobedient Chosen People. In the last chapter, Isaiah tells the obedient, “Everyone will see the LORD’s hand of blessing on his servants and his anger against his enemies.” In the Gospel, Jesus missions common people to bless enemies and to expect persecution in return, “I … Continue reading “Shaking Persecutors”
Concentration
There’s an old joke told about three men being asked, “What do you want to hear said about you as you lay in your coffin.” The first wants to hear: “He was a great family man.” The second wants to hear: “He was a great doctor.” The third wants to hear: “He’s breathing!” In this … Continue reading “Concentration”
Stop Supporting the Troops
Abram in the Old Testament is set to wage war. He “mustered three hundred and eighteen of his slaves, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram.” “Then Abram gave him a … Continue reading “Stop Supporting the Troops”
Being Pro-Choice is No Mystery
We live in a world dominated by science, meaning to know. From science we know the substance of the stars and the intricacies of the womb. We do not, however, know the origins of either – the origins of life. Life is a mystery. All of humanity lives within the mystery that is life in … Continue reading “Being Pro-Choice is No Mystery”
A Universal People’s Movement
Jesus has a universal message of communion and is often on the move sharing it. He is thus constantly in contact with a variety of different people always bringing them together. He is creating a new people’s movement. Jesus’ universal movement of communion is highlighted at Pentecost, All “were filled with the Spirit and began … Continue reading “A Universal People’s Movement”
Usual and Unusual
Disciples have not been living a usual life. They’ve been living an unusual life with an unusual guide, Jesus, a peacemaker. Usual life is living under warmaking rulers. Rulers judge common people’s sins and calculate the payment they must suffer through to be redeemed of their sinner status. The payment might be money or property, … Continue reading “Usual and Unusual”