Jesus tells a parable about two men in the temple. One is a Pharisee who “spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector.’” But the tax collector stood off at a distance and … Continue reading “Look Them in the Eye”
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How is Tyranny Possible in the U.S.?
Jesus tells a parable about a “judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being.” Jesus’ listeners know the truth about judges, men of status. Judges can act as tyrants, as this one does, specifically acting as a tyrant against a “widow.” Jesus’ listeners also know the truth about widows, … Continue reading “How is Tyranny Possible in the U.S.?”
We Shall Not Be Foreigners in Our Own Land
Today’s readings tell the stories of foreigners. Periodically in the Old Testament, a foreigner is singled out, often for converting to the worship of Israel’s Lord God. Today it is the Syrian Naaman, who Elisha heals of leprosy, “I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.” In … Continue reading “We Shall Not Be Foreigners in Our Own Land”
Who Started Political Violence?
The Old Testament’s prophet Habakkuk is wanting the Lord to do his violent duty, “How long, O LORD, must I… cry out to you, “Violence!” and you do not intervene?” The Lord finally avenges the Israelites and does his violent duty against enemy sinners, “For the violence done to (Israel) shall overwhelm you,” sinners. Habakkuk … Continue reading “Who Started Political Violence?”
Shutting Down Capitalism
Jesus tells a parable to capitalists about the consequences of their wealth; “a rich man dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,” whom every day the rich man walked past. Jesus goes on, “When the poor … Continue reading “Shutting Down Capitalism”
Being Powerful Amidst Tyranny
Today’s New Testament reading from Timothy begins with the author, either Paul of Tarsus or one of his followers, asking “that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.” The life witness Paul promotes for disciples differs from … Continue reading “Being Powerful Amidst Tyranny”
Trump and Kirk: Obedient to Death
On this Feast that errantly celebrates the Exaltation of the Cross, Paul of Tarsus teaches that though “Jesus was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave… becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because … Continue reading “Trump and Kirk: Obedient to Death”
Plans for the Department of War
An old adage suggests that if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. But Militarists who invented the mirror-image God who laughs at our plans, tell us their plans for us all the time. The plans of Militarists fill today’s readings. The Militarist Solomon asserts, “Lord, You have chosen me king over … Continue reading “Plans for the Department of War”
MAGA is Making Eugenics Great Again
“Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the great Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to” them about “how they were choosing the places of greatness at the table.” He concluded his parable describing their dehumanizing supremacy by sharing wisdom about communion, “He said to … Continue reading “MAGA is Making Eugenics Great Again”
Ghislaine MAGA
The Old Testament reading says the people should be “an offering to the LORD.” It means the people should live their lives in sacrifice to the Lord. If they do so, the Lord will save them from their “enemies.” In the Gospel “Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went.” “Someone asked him, … Continue reading “Ghislaine MAGA”