Jesus’ many healings upset rulers, especially his exorcisms; the driving out of a demonic or divisive force. The rulers are upset because, in truth, Jesus is driving them out; their rule is a demonic and divisive force. Rulers would drive us mad with their demonic divisiveness of priests over laity, bosses over workers, whites over … Continue reading “Civil War in a Divided Kingdom”
Author: Editor
Animal Sacrifice
Sacrifice is the theme of Sunday’s readings. Sacrifice means the priestly ritual of “offering something (especially a life) to a deity.” Sacrifice is offered to gain the deity’s favor. The taking of sacrificed life in death rituals, is the primary ritual of the religion of Militarism and it is practiced throughout the Old Testament. It … Continue reading “Animal Sacrifice”
A Higher Loyalty?
Sunday’s first reading includes the War Lord Yahweh ordering his supporters to “keep his statutes and commandments.” The people believe Yahweh deserves their loyalty because he “took a nation for himself…by testings, …by war,…and by great terrors.” Jesus’ Gospel also includes commands, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that … Continue reading “A Higher Loyalty?”
Do We All Want the Same Things?
Filled with Pentecostal Spirit, peacemakers start enlivening people stifled by the oppressive Roman Empire. The enlivening is Jesus’ “Community of God” – a Way of communion, love, and creative healing power. They enliven it far and wide among diverse people. They are persecuted for doing so. Gospel and non-Gospel accounts record the persecution. It turns … Continue reading “Do We All Want the Same Things?”
Are We Successful Peacemakers?
Sunday’s Gospel and reading from Acts describe Jesus’ Ascension. He is encouraging disciples for their new life in the Spirit. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my living witnesses.” Jesus’ living witness is the peaceful “Kingdom of God.” He is encouraging their success in continuing to … Continue reading “Are We Successful Peacemakers?”
Why Are Soldiers Not Christ-like?
Jesus is noteworthy as a loving person, especially with people rulers outcast. More noteworthy is Jesus loving those outcasts in the very presence of those rulers. The rulers then actively oppress Jesus for doing so. Jesus’ love is thus a consistently courageous love. Jesus is so consistently courageous in his love that he even loves … Continue reading “Why Are Soldiers Not Christ-like?”
Fruitful Care
This Sunday’s first reading concerns the conversion of Saul to Paul, from being a persecutor of disciples to being a disciple. Saul has been befriended and healed by disciples in Damascus. He joins them in their fruitful ministry. Paul then feels the need to join with disciples in Jerusalem. But the Jerusalem disciples know Paul … Continue reading “Fruitful Care”
There Is No Salvation
Peter has performed “a good deed done to a cripple.” He has healed him. Peter does not take credit for doing so. He says the man has been healed “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean.” Peter then makes a statement that has unfortunately been twisted in its meaning. He says, “There is no … Continue reading “There Is No Salvation”
Whatever Became of Sin?
Jesus was realistic about sin. However, he did not spend too much time or energy on the sins committed by common people. He spent more time and energy on the sins committed by rulers. Their personal and social sins caused far more harm – to the people. The harm was apparent to Jesus’s own body … Continue reading “Whatever Became of Sin?”
A Beloved Community
Jesus’ Community of God is a revolutionary endeavor – to relate as equals, to be loving with one another, and to act as the creative healing power we are. Early disciples knew that for them to remain revolutionary amidst empire’s normal and opposite inequality, hatred, and violence they needed Community. Today’s second reading shows how … Continue reading “A Beloved Community”