Jesus becomes aware thousands of people have followed him up a hillside. He becomes concerned about their physical well-being. A little boy who has food is also concerned and willingly shares the little food he has, first by bringing it to Jesus. Jesus then shares the few loaves and fishes with everyone else. A miracle … Continue reading “Heroes”
Author: Editor
Reflecting or Reacting
Jesus is, like most of his contemporaries, marginalized – politically, financially, and theologically. He is not, however ,powerless. One aspect of Jesus’ power is demonstrated by his empowering others. He encourages people to create with their brothers and sisters a new politics (care), a new economy (share), and a new theology (dare). After sending out … Continue reading “Reflecting or Reacting”
Converting Our Money System
Jesus sends out disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel. He does not want them to perform individual tasks but to accomplish a social mission – establishing the “Community of God.” The Community of God is people living in very practical ways on the personal and social level. Therefore, life in the Community of God requires a … Continue reading “Converting Our Money System”
Our Place
When Jesus returns to his native place, as this Sunday’s Gospel relates, he is a different man than the boy who left. He is especially noteworthy as a healer. He is different from the tribe that helped shape him, that thinks it knows him and has beliefs about who he should be. For the tribe, … Continue reading “Our Place”
Resigned to Death or Committed to Life?
Resignation to death could have been a common malaise during Jesus’ era. Jesus lived in a time and place when the majority of people died young, their lives cut short. One such youth is a child of twelve deeply loved by her father Jairus. She is stricken and death lurks. But Jairus will not resign … Continue reading “Resigned to Death or Committed to Life?”
Changing Course
Centuries ago, in a Gospel story being played out today, disciples were caught up in a violent, life threatening storm. The storm was actual and metaphorical as they were trying to change course in a boat and in their lives and needed a guide to do so. An actual violent, life threatening storm of our … Continue reading “Changing Course”
A Spice of Life
Jesus tells a parable about a mustard seed grown into a plant in this Sunday’s Gospel. It begins, “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.” It later describes birds coming and nesting in the plant. The parable is often interpreted in reference to growth. For example, as a person’s faith growing larger from … Continue reading “A Spice of Life”
Sacred Gifts of the Earth
Jesus is sharing a final meal with friends in this Sunday’s Gospel. During the meal, “he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take it; this is my body.’” The celebration of the Real Presence of God within the gifts of the earth is the seed of a still … Continue reading “Sacred Gifts of the Earth”
Relationships
Belief in God as Trinity is an old tradition in institutional christianity. For some it express their threefold experience of and relationship with Divinity as Creator, Incarnate, and Spirit – meaning a God Created us into being, shares our human condition in Christ’s Incarnation, and abides with us as a Holy Spirit. The Trinity as … Continue reading “Relationships”
Who Do We Remember?
Pentecost for peacemakers is easily contrasted with Militarism’s Memorial Day for citizens. On Pentecost, peacemakers remember Jesus was always bringing people together; sharing diversity, compassion, and friendship with people. On Memorial Day, citizens remember warriors who are always being pitted against other people; coercing tribalism, fighting, and being killed and/or killing opponents. Citizens are perpetual … Continue reading “Who Do We Remember?”