When last with Jesus, Peter was being threatened by rulers and their soldiers. Fearing they might arrest him along with Jesus, Peter denied knowing Jesus, three times. Seeing Jesus after his resurrection, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?,” three times. Peter is true to his love of Jesus which means, like Jesus, he is … Continue reading “Threatening Circumstances”
Author: Editor
The Power of Peacemaking
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the rulers, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.” “Thomas, called Didymus, … Continue reading “The Power of Peacemaking”
Removing the Stone from the Tomb
“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.” Jesus is every human being who challenged the system. The system is Militarism. It is the world’s Religion. It grooms us as subordinates to … Continue reading “Removing the Stone from the Tomb”
Jesus’ Murder
There is a gross violence done by institutional christianity’s interpretation of Jesus’ torture and death. It is not only normalized; it is sanctified. The torture and violence done to Jesus on the cross is perversely claimed as saving us. Nothing about anyone being tortured saves us. Nothing about a cross saves us. Nothing about spears … Continue reading “Jesus’ Murder”
Dear Spirit, Enlighten Us
Dear Spirit, Enlighten us like you helped Jesus enlighten his listeners. We have gotten caught up in catching others in their worst moments. Why did we decide to become a Pharisee? When did we decide to be so anxious about sin that we caught a woman in the very act of committing adultery? We have … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Enlighten Us”
Dear Spirit, Unite Us
Dear Spirit, Unite us like you united the father and son who were prodigal in their love for one another. Jesus tells the story of their love because the Pharisees are complaining, “This man welcomes sinners.” When Jesus shares communion with outcasts – as he tells of the prodigals son’s father sharing communion with his … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Unite Us”
Dear Spirit, Nurture Us
Dear Spirit, Nurture Us like you nurtured Jesus to be fruitful about the fig tree. There is every appearance of fruitfulness in some people, for example, rulers. They have a fine upbringing in circumstances of status and wealth. It may be the case they lacked such, but decided to gravitate toward those possessing outward appearances … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Nurture Us”
Dear Spirit, Change Us
Dear Spirit, change us like you changed Jesus on the mountaintop. A great change is needed in the world. We are part of it. Like Jesus we need to reckon with all that has gone before us. We especially need to reckon with all that is within us. Our experiences of Your Presence are the … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Change Us”
Dear Spirit, Lead Us
Dear Spirit, lead us like you led Jesus into and through the desert. A great mission awaits to transform the world. We will need to be strong to endure. We will need to be one of many leaders able to deal with obstacles; obstacles of institutions, laws, controlled finances and resources. We will need to … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Lead Us”
How Splinters and Beams Burn
Jesus asks his listeners, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite!” … Continue reading “How Splinters and Beams Burn”