In this Sunday’s Gospel a scholar is quick to drag Jesus into a debate on particulars of the Mosaic Law. Jesus shows little interest. He is more interested in moving the man’s heart toward compassionate living. Jesus’ responses to the man’s questions are therefore slow and thoughtful and centered on love. Jesus speaks of God … Continue reading “Slow”
Author: Editor
Will We Live Our Dreams or Have Them Interpreted For Us?
We spend our childhoods and some restful moments dreaming. Those who would diminish our dreaming will tell us it is time to grow up or to wake up and stop our dreaming. But growing up or waking up does not stop our dreaming. We are simply given the chance to live out our dreams in … Continue reading “Will We Live Our Dreams or Have Them Interpreted For Us?”
Left Behind or Progressing Forward
Jesus is progressing forward in his mission of peace in this Sunday’s Gospel. He travels into Samaria which some of his followers think is enemy territory. After some Samaritans reject Jesus, two of his followers ask him, “Do you want us to call down fire from heaven against them?” Jesus lives and teaches love of … Continue reading “Left Behind or Progressing Forward”
Good Guys With Guns Killed Jesus
Jesus has a marked ability to ask life-changing questions. He asks one such question of Peter in this Sunday’s Gospel. “Who do you say that I am?” It is both a prayerful question in that it contemplates Divinity and a realistic one in that it considers human practicalities. Peter answers Divinely, “You are the Christ, … Continue reading “Good Guys With Guns Killed Jesus”
Does U.S. Culture Justify Rape?
Is there ever any justification for a man to treat a woman disrespectfully? A Pharisee in this Sunday’s Gospel thinks there is. The Pharisee considers himself just and judges others as unjust. He judges a woman who touches Jesus as unjust, meaning sinful. The “sinful woman” is less worthy than he. He is a man, … Continue reading “Does U.S. Culture Justify Rape?”
Life after Death
Jesus’ heart is moved with compassion when he encounters a widow whose only son has just died. It is usually the case that people plead with Jesus, especially for healing. In this case, it is not words but the mother’s tears that form her plea and Jesus responds. He is touched by her grief, moved … Continue reading “Life after Death”
Why Jesus Started a Movement and Not a Religion
This Sunday’s readings give insight into the origins of religion. They also show the difference between religion and the People’s Movement Jesus started. Religion is a Latin word and consists of ‘re’ which means ‘again’ and ‘ligio’ which means ‘to bind’. The truth of religion being a ‘re-bind’ is seen in the first reading. In … Continue reading “Why Jesus Started a Movement and Not a Religion”
Spirit of Truth
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus promises the Spirit as a guide to truth. He tells disciples: “The Spirit of Truth will guide you to all truth.” The Spirit of Truth can be distinguished from the Law. Law can consist of doctrine or dogma meaning a set of rules or beliefs held as incontestable. Incontestable as … Continue reading “Spirit of Truth”
Holy Energy: Worship or Inspiration
Christ’s Spirit, emphasized on Pentecost, celebrates an ongoing energy shift. It’s the energy shift away from worship – extracted energy, and toward inspiration – enlivening energy. Worship extracts energy by directing our energy outward. We direct our energy to an external unchanging deity and his earthly representatives. We seek in return a reward or an … Continue reading “Holy Energy: Worship or Inspiration”
Making Things Happen
So many things have been happening to disciples in a short number of days. They shared a festive meal but it was followed soon after by Jesus’ arrest. Amidst that chaos and pain an ear is severed, but then healed. A night of anguish is endured which is then followed by a day of torture … Continue reading “Making Things Happen”