A Canaanite woman cries out to Jesus, “’My daughter is tormented by a demon’. But Jesus did not say a word. His disciples said, ‘Send her away, for she keeps calling out.’ Jesus then said to her, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But the woman said, ‘Help … Continue reading “Aggrieved Cult Members”
Author: Editor
Courage For Our Time
The disciples were on a boat “being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.” Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do … Continue reading “Courage For Our Time”
Naked
“Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them… and his clothes became white as light” The heroes of ancient days made themselves gods; Sumer’s god-king Gilgamesh, Iran’s god-king Mazda, Egypt’s god-king Pharaoh. Ancient Israel’s deity says to their god-king Moses, … Continue reading “Naked”
Ultimate Joy of Peacemaking
Jesus speaks of great purpose and focus in the parables he tells this Sunday, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field which a person finds… and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching … Continue reading “Ultimate Joy of Peacemaking”
Seeds of Love
“Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.” He told one of “a man who sowed good seeds in his field.” But “while everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds through the wheat.” Listeners are like the characters in the parable, uncertain of what to do with people who cause problems, “’Do you want … Continue reading “Seeds of Love”
Love A Hundredfold
Jesus teaches a parable about a sower and seeds; “some seed fell on a path and birds came to eat it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for … Continue reading “Love A Hundredfold”
Meekness: Our Refreshing Grandeur
Jesus is a poor itinerant preacher traveling among poor people “to preach in their towns.” He is in touch with nature for his teaching – “seeds” and “sheep,” “serpents and doves,” “reeds in the wind.” He learns his friend, John the Baptist, a poor settled preacher, also in touch with nature, has been put into … Continue reading “Meekness: Our Refreshing Grandeur”
Receiving Wisdom
Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink… will surely be received.” Are we wise enough to receive people – their goodness, their humor and wisdom? … Continue reading “Receiving Wisdom”
Acceleration
Jeremiah is afraid as he is being terrorized and prays for vengeance from his Lord Yahweh of Armies, “I hear the whisperings of many: ‘Terror on every side!” “O Lord of Hosts… let me witness the vengeance you take on them.” Jesus is not afraid, too is being terrorized but prays for gentleness for gentleness … Continue reading “Acceleration”
A Community is the Fruit of Our Labor
Jesus lives a revolutionary witness that is challenging and changing the ruler system. He needs other revolutionaries to join with him in his fruitful mission. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” Laborers in the work field have persistently challenged the ruler system. Eugene Debs was a voice for such laborers at the … Continue reading “A Community is the Fruit of Our Labor”