“Jesus was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” “Peter said to Jesus in reply, “It is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make… tents here.” But Jesus led them “down from the mountain.” Peter witnesses a stunning transformation on high, above … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Social Activism”
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Consistent Ethic of Life: Peacemaking
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert.” “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached” Jesus to forsake his peacemaking mission from the Spirit. Jesus refused, including the last to rule the world, “the devil… showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world… “All these … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Peacemaking”
Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent
Jesus tells listeners, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not respond violently to one who is violent… You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to … Continue reading “Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent”
Replacing Religion’s Tribalism with Community
“Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law… I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” But then Jesus proceeds to in fact abolish the Old Testament and replace it. He says, for example, “You have heard the law, ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth … Continue reading “Replacing Religion’s Tribalism with Community”
Essential
Jesus is talking to commoners knowing rulers “insult and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you.” But Jesus tells them, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt is essential for life and it is Jesus’ description for people made to feel inessential. Essential means “to be” and highlights the core goodness … Continue reading “Essential”
Taking Things Personally and Socially
Jesus is talking to people who are made “poor,” “hungry, and are “persecuted.” It is possible for these listeners to feel cursed and to become resentful over the pain done to them. But Jesus tells his “poor,” “hungry,” and “persecuted” listeners to know they are “Blessed” and to “Rejoice.” In one sense, Jesus is encouraging … Continue reading “Taking Things Personally and Socially”
Arrested
“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.” “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Convert, for the Community of God is at hand.” John the Baptist has been a conscientious public witness, telling the truth about the ruler Herod. Like all rulers, Herod arrests the truth and … Continue reading “Arrested”
What Is The Sin of the World Jesus Takes Away?
“John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’” What is the sin of the world? For millennia religious rulers have claimed the sin of the world is disobedience to a Supreme Lord who thus requires payment and death. The religious … Continue reading “What Is The Sin of the World Jesus Takes Away?”
Herod Is In The House
Magi travel to Jerusalem in search of an Epiphany, seeing God in a child born to goodness. They encounter a ruler trained otherwise, King Herod. Herod is “greatly troubled” by his meeting with these Wise Ones. The king has “assembled his chief priests and scribes” and deceptively tells the Magi, “Go and search diligently for … Continue reading “Herod Is In The House”
Making Peace Together
“The angel said to the Shepherds, ‘I proclaim to you tidings of great joy to be shared with all people.’” “‘Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of angels saying, ‘Glory to God and peace … Continue reading “Making Peace Together”