The Gospel for this time in Lent draws from Jesus nearing the end of his life. He has lived a compassionate and generous life though he has been met with vehement opposition by rulers. He understands the deadly intent of the rulers and yet he is still feeling forgiving and generous, “I say to you, … Continue reading “Emotional Exercise”
Author: Editor
Social Exercise
“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night” with questions about God. Jesus’ response speaks of “being born from above.” Also of “being born of water and Spirit.” Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. It is equivalent to being a member … Continue reading “Social Exercise”
Physical Exercise
Jesus does some necessary house cleaning in this Sunday’s Gospel. “Jesus found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins … Continue reading “Physical Exercise”
Intellectual Exercise
In today’s readings, the Bible tells us how it is good that God told Abraham, “Take your only son Isaac, whom you love, and… offer him up as a holocaust.” But it also tells us it is good when God tells Abraham to then spare Isaac. The Bible then again reverts to having Paul tell … Continue reading “Intellectual Exercise”
Spiritual Exercise
“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “Now is the time of fulfillment. The Community of God … Continue reading “Spiritual Exercise”
Critics Do Not Heal
Old Testament priests officially “declared” a person pure or impure, for example, lepers were declared impure. Priests would banish impure persons like lepers, establishing borders to keep them out, “He shall dwell apart.” Integrated relationships were destroyed. The Gospel’s Jesus of Nazareth gathers together people who are declared impure. More so, he specifically heals those … Continue reading “Critics Do Not Heal”
Circumstantial or Systemic?
Job in the Old Testament is a good man, evidenced by Job being a rich man, blessed by God, “Job owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen,” “and a very large number of slaves.” Job’s circumstances change though, because “the Lord” says to “satan,” “All that Job has is in your control satan.” … Continue reading “Circumstantial or Systemic?”
Davos and Hollow Men
“Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unhealthy spirit… Jesus rebuked him and said, ‘Come out of him!’ The unhealthy spirit… came out of him. All were amazed … Continue reading “Davos and Hollow Men”
Common Sense
John the Baptist, who will not agree to Herod’s lies and speaks out against the wealthy ruler’s corruption, has “been arrested.” Jesus goes beyond John’s practices and starts gathering a new “Community.” It will help people to have greater common knowledge, especially about how rulers operate by lying about and corrupting common knowledge. Aristotle is … Continue reading “Common Sense”
Y’all Don’t Know What White Privilege Looks Like
A young Samuel in today’s Old Testament reading believes he is being called and responds, “Here I am.” Andrew in today’s Gospel believes he is being called and responds by following Jesus who lives in and keeps building a community. It is natural to consider our lives and our life’s calling in individual terms – … Continue reading “Y’all Don’t Know What White Privilege Looks Like”