Dear Spirit, Enlighten us like you helped Jesus enlighten his listeners. We have gotten caught up in catching others in their worst moments. Why did we decide to become a Pharisee? When did we decide to be so anxious about sin that we caught a woman in the very act of committing adultery? We have … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Enlighten Us”
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Dear Spirit, Unite Us
Dear Spirit, Unite us like you united the father and son who were prodigal in their love for one another. Jesus tells the story of their love because the Pharisees are complaining, “This man welcomes sinners.” When Jesus shares communion with outcasts – as he tells of the prodigals son’s father sharing communion with his … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Unite Us”
Dear Spirit, Nurture Us
Dear Spirit, Nurture Us like you nurtured Jesus to be fruitful about the fig tree. There is every appearance of fruitfulness in some people, for example, rulers. They have a fine upbringing in circumstances of status and wealth. It may be the case they lacked such, but decided to gravitate toward those possessing outward appearances … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Nurture Us”
Dear Spirit, Change Us
Dear Spirit, change us like you changed Jesus on the mountaintop. A great change is needed in the world. We are a part of it. Like Jesus we need to reckon with all that has gone before us. We especially need to reckon with all that is within us. Our experiences of Your Presence are … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Change Us”
Dear Spirit, Lead Us
Dear Spirit, lead us like you led Jesus into and through the desert. A great mission awaits to transform the world. We will need to be strong to endure. We will need to be one of many leaders able to deal with obstacles; obstacles of institutions, laws, controlled finances and resources. We will need to … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Lead Us”
How Splinters and Beams Burn
Jesus asks his listeners, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite!” … Continue reading “How Splinters and Beams Burn”
Love in a Time of Hate
Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies.” Jesus calls anyone and everyone to join him in the Way of Love. It is an easy way when we are among family and friends. Thus, as Jesus says, “if you love those who love you, what credit is that to … Continue reading “Love in a Time of Hate”
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 not only as normal, but 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 … Continue reading “Being Groomed”