Those disturbing the peace for the people of Jesus’ time were mostly the rulers. The rulers, both the local rulers and the occupying Roman rulers with whom they colluded, lived by military values. it meant the rulers waged war upon the people with capricious decisions, financial burdens, and punitive unto violent behaviors. Those restoring the … Continue reading “Disturbing the Peace”
Author: Editor
Love in the Concrete
A psychology professor who had no children would frequently reprove his neighbor for scolding her child: “You should love your child, not punish him.” One hot summer day the professor repaired his concrete driveway spending many hours of hard work on it. When finished he turned back on his accomplishment and out of the corner … Continue reading “Love in the Concrete”
Leading Sheep
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is designated as Good Shepherd Sunday. Its Gospel reading is drawn from Jesus’ teaching on the subject. Most commentaries on the subject assert good shepherds lead from the front. Others consider the possibly they lead from behind. Perhaps we might also consider that a good shepherd leads from among. A … Continue reading “Leading Sheep”
Love Amidst Challenge
“Do you love me?” I asked upon looking into the mirror in my youth. “Respect who you are.” “Do you love me?” they asked as I sought to join them. “Stand with us in our time of need.” “Do you love me?” he asked as we journeyed into marriage. “Be with me, for better, for … Continue reading “Love Amidst Challenge”
Beyond Justice and Mercy to Compassion
When Thomas professes a lack of faith in Jesus rising from the dead he’s actually professing faith in something else. Thomas already believes in justice and mercy, and their many gods. Justice is invented and dispensed by militarists; chief priests, elders, Pilates, and other such gods. Their justice consists of writing unjust laws for the … Continue reading “Beyond Justice and Mercy to Compassion”
We Had to Rise
The Gospel according to John has a curious comment on the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’ Resurrection: “They did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” – Had to – We’ve all known our had to moments in life; I had to get the job, he had to come home … Continue reading “We Had to Rise”
Suffering and Violence: Reality and Fable
This Sunday’s long Gospel is about the suffering and violence inflicted upon Jesus. It describes his arrest, trial, torture, and murder. Scripture scholars usually sanctify the violence done to Jesus as in keeping with a ‘suffering servant’ character from Isaiah. Of Isaiah’s 1,292 verses, 30 are so titled. One sample ‘suffering servant’ verse is, “He … Continue reading “Suffering and Violence: Reality and Fable”
Executing Christianity
The woman caught in adultery is a well-known Gospel story. Perhaps we have heard it too often to any longer feel its terror. Officials are purposeful about ragging a frightened woman into public to execute a death penalty plan against her. They put her on display in the Temple area. They intend murder and set … Continue reading “Executing Christianity”
What is Our Context?
The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday’s in Lent provide something called an alternate Gospel reading. Its message is virtually identical to the regular Gospel. The alternate is provided for adults who are preparing for baptism. The institutional Church requires they go through a process called The Scrutinies. While The Scrutinies are encouraged for all in … Continue reading “What is Our Context?”
Remember the Trees We Hugged?
Jesus and several others are talking about recent disasters. One disaster concerns the murderous ruler Pilate. He has the habit of practicing Militarism’s blood sacrifice rituals. His habit elicits a parable from Jesus about a murderous landowner who wants to kill a tree but is prevented from doing so by a gentle farmer. The bloodthirsty … Continue reading “Remember the Trees We Hugged?”