Communion, also called Eucharist, is a deeply meaningful experience for disciples. It is an experience of the Real Presence of Christ. The belief may be received by others as at least peculiar if not shocking. This Sunday’s Gospel according to John shows an early example of the shock when Jesus says to listeners, “I am … Continue reading “Shockingly Alive”
Author: Editor
Trinitarian or Relational?
The Trinity is a notoriously abstract concept within institutional christianity. Today’s Gospel reading from John, who tends to be abstract, does not even hint at the Trinity. The three Synoptics Gospels, Mark, Matthew, and Luke are more descriptive of Jesus’ life witness and have no reference to the Trinity at all. The Trinity is not … Continue reading “Trinitarian or Relational?”
Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?
Dear Evangelicals, When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, you were all in one [palace] together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving [spin], and it filled the entire [white]house in which you were. Then there appeared to you [glory] as of fire, which parted and came to rest … Continue reading “Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?”
God as Father
Yahweh is a deity within the religion of Militarism. He is the fictional War Lord deity invented by Hebrew War Lords. Yahweh sanctifies Old Testament rulers who dominate over the people. Yahweh cannot be compared to the historical peacemaker Jesus of Nazareth in the Gospel. Attempts to connect the two, however, are sometimes made. One … Continue reading “God as Father”
Orphaned Jesus
Jesus knows his suffering and death are approaching and he is saying good bye to disciples. He promises to return as an Advocating Spirit, “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.” The practice of reaching out to child orphans was one of the starkest counter-cultural practices of Jesus’ first followers. A … Continue reading “Orphaned Jesus”
Homemaking
In the Gospel Jesus is preparing disciples for his death. He tells them, in part, his departure includes a benefit to them. He says, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” It should not be surprising, Jesus spent his life preparing a place for people here on earth. Jesus was a homemaker. He … Continue reading “Homemaking”
Strange Bedfellows
Jesus’ description of himself as the Good Shepherd is matched by his periodic description of people as sheep. At times the animals, and therefore people, are described as faithful and innocent and at other times a bit gullible, if not stupid. This Sunday, sheep are described as faithfully hearing their shepherd’s voice calling out to … Continue reading “Strange Bedfellows”
The Journey to Now
Jesus, whose energy helped people feel alive, is dead. He has been murdered, under horrible circumstances, crucifixion. With that violence, the haters from both Rome and Jerusalem think they have destroyed any future challenges from Jesus’ disciples. Two such disciples are so dispirited they are leaving the gathering of community members behind. They are going … Continue reading “The Journey to Now”
Paradox: A Skeptic’s Belief
An incredible event is relayed in this Sunday’s Gospel. For some, incredible means ‘miraculous’ but for others it means ‘not credible, unbelievable.’ Jesus, last seen broken and expiring on the cross, appears alive to disciples. They receive it as miraculous. Jesus “stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” … he … Continue reading “Paradox: A Skeptic’s Belief”
Shamans Keep Rising
Jesus’ Gospel witness from Holy Thursday through Good Friday to Easter Sunday is quintessentially transforming. Knowing of his impending murder, he shares a final life-giving meal with community members on Thursday. That same evening, the priestly class have him arrested, put him on trial, convict him of crimes, and sentence him to death. The next … Continue reading “Shamans Keep Rising”