Author: Editor

Lords and Their Welfare

The Old Testament routinely describes riches or “blessings for those who trust in the Lord,” and poverty, “curses for those who trust in human beings.” In the Gospel, Jesus too assures blessings and not curses but woes, yet in precisely the reverse manner, ‘Blessed is the one who is poor, hungry, weeping, insulted.’ ‘Woe to … Continue reading “Lords and Their Welfare”

Do Not Be Afraid

Jesus calls fishermen to follow him on his Way, “’Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Jesus is gathering commoners to co-create the Community of God. It will be the transforming witness to the military culture … Continue reading “Do Not Be Afraid”

Being Groomed

Millions of people will hear this Sunday’s readings in which violence will be presented to us as normal, even as Godly. We are to “offer due sacrifice to the Lord,” meaning to kill a living being, because it is presented as “pleasing to the Lord.” Sacrifice is presented as Godly “to expiate the sins of … Continue reading “Being Groomed”

Speaking Out

In the first reading this Sunday, Ezra is reading to the people from “the book of the law of God” and speaking out in support of their ruler, Nehemiah. He is instructing the people to support Nehemiah too. Nehemiah is a nationalist who is dividing the people from neighbors. He is rebuilding a wall around … Continue reading “Speaking Out”

Making This Our Hour

“When the wine (at the Cana wedding) ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus told them, “Fill the jars … Continue reading “Making This Our Hour”

Expectation to Be Peacemakers

Isaiah in the Old Testament writes of the War Lord Yahweh saying, “Here is my servant whom I uphold.” Through this servant, there is the expectation of a coming triumph against enemies, “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory… and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty. “Luke in the Gospel writes, … Continue reading “Expectation to Be Peacemakers”

Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way

“When Jesus was born” “in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east” inquired, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled.” “Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained … Continue reading “Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way”

Shifting from Danger to Peace

Jesus parents are worried. Is he in danger they wonder, as “they cannot find him.”  “They returned to Jerusalem to look for him.” They remained worried, concerned about him being in danger for another 3 full days. “After three days they found him.” “When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said … Continue reading “Shifting from Danger to Peace”