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”
Author: Editor
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?”
Being True
In this final week of the Easter season Jesus speaks of having been true to those given to him. He understands one, will not be true to him, Judas, the “son of destruction.” “I protected them… and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction.” Jesus’ protecting and guarding … Continue reading “Being True”
Mothers Take the Lead
Jesus’ witness as a loving and strong leader is apparent in this Sunday’s Gospel. He tells community members, “Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love … This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down … Continue reading “Mothers Take the Lead”
Fruitful
To be Christian means to be Christ-like, which in this Sunday’s Gospel means to be fruitful. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in them will bear much fruit.” Jesus bore fruit by gathering diverse people together in communion, by being loving, and by acting as … Continue reading “Fruitful”
Shepherds, Hired Hands, and Wolves
Jesus’ role as a Good Shepherd is addressed in this Sunday’s Gospel. He loves those in his care and is willing to put his life in jeopardy should harm come to them. Jesus’ witness is that of a committed and loving friend and is distinguished from a hired hand who gives the appearance of responsibility … Continue reading “Shepherds, Hired Hands, and Wolves”
Crumbs
If you’re ever looking for Jesus just follow the crumbs. Throughout his life he was always sharing meals with people. He dined with Pharisees, tax collectors, and prostitutes as well as the various men, women, and children of the villages he visited on his journeys. After his Resurrection, as this Sunday’s Gospel relates, Jesus shares … Continue reading “Crumbs”
Rejected Testimony
Throughout his life Jesus gives testimony to a peaceful Way. His testimony was consistently rejected by the rulers of his time; so much so they put him to death. This Sunday’s Gospel shows that Jesus’ community accepted his testimony, in life and in life after life. Thus, as people received Jesus in life so they … Continue reading “Rejected Testimony”
Friday to Sunday
A story is often told us but it is a false one: a supreme being is angry with a sinful humanity and wills their deserved suffering and death. The story is told by an ancient and still operative religion, Militarism. Militarism has a long history of projecting its War Lords into the heavens as deities. … Continue reading “Friday to Sunday”