Both Moses in the first reading and Paul in the second reading believe humans are “depraved,” meaning corrupt, twisted. Both men applied their belief to people who disobeyed them; judging them sinners who, according to them, deserved to be punished. Both men’s belief in humanity’s depravity and necessary punishment is deeply influential and controls institutional … Continue reading “Depravity”
Author: Editor
Human Agency
Jesus’ Gospel message this Sunday concerns human agency. Human agency is the power to act. It is the power to do so wisely and conscientiously, in any given environment. Jesus tells short parables to explain agency. He explains the need to separate from the patriarchal family, to have planned foresight, and to be ready to … Continue reading “Human Agency”
Politically Correct
When members of the supremacist class, Pharisees, invite Jesus to a meal they are not being politically correct. Being politically correct is supremacists correctly honoring members of their own political class. Why then do the Pharisees bestow the honor of sharing a meal with them upon a dishonorable commoner? The invitation is actually meant to … Continue reading “Politically Correct”
The Narrow Gate
A person burdened with the baggage of salvation poses a question to Jesus, “Will only a few people be saved?” Jesus is free of the salvation burden. It forces on people a false identity as sinners who must be saved from their condition. Jesus knows each person’s saintliness, their Godliness. He knows all of the … Continue reading “The Narrow Gate”
Reform or Transform?
The phrase ‘baptism by fire’ is something of an oxymoron and has a connection to Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel. Baptism signifies a refreshing and transforming relationship symbolized by a flow of water. That such a relationship starts with a blaze of fire signifies something much more radical. Jesus uses both meanings to describe his … Continue reading “Reform or Transform?”
Delightful Service
Service for its own sake can be a delight. Doing something for others who benefit from the service we provide can be the foundation of a truly meaningful life. When Jesus speaks to a crowd about service in this Sunday’s Gospel, delight and meaning may not come to their minds. It is not for lack … Continue reading “Delightful Service”
Wealth: Inherited or Shared
When Jesus leaves his trade as a common laborer, he starts traveling as a preacher among mostly poor working people. He has very few things. What he does have he shares with others; his spirituality, his wisdom, his storytelling. Others share their gifts with him; home, hearth, food. Amidst this shared life, a man says … Continue reading “Wealth: Inherited or Shared”
Teach Us to Pray
Jesus’ early disciples, as we meet them in the Gospel, are all adults. They include fishermen, homemakers, and tax collectors. They have learned trades and disciplines. They have also learned who God is and how to pray from their religious rulers. There is much they know. Then Jesus comes along. They do not entirely know … Continue reading “Teach Us to Pray”
The Beauty of Being Received
Jesus is visiting with his friends, Martha and Mary, in their home. Both are taking seriously their witness to hospitality. Martha expresses her hospitality by lifting from Jesus any concerns about nourishment; she prepares all the food and drink and serves him. It seems, however, that her attention is not so much toward Jesus as … Continue reading “The Beauty of Being Received”
Slow
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”