Jonah is given the task of converting sinners, the “wicked” people of Nineveh. He walks away from the task feeling no desire nor urgency given their wickedness. He eventually carries it out and the people convert. “But this greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry.” He believed the sinners deserved the wrath of the Lord. … Continue reading “What Are We Prepping For?”
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Critical Thinking
In the Old Testament, young Samuel believes he is being called by Eli. But Eli is certain “the Lord was calling the youth.” The Lord calls Samuel for allegiance to a War Lord, King David, and to a warrior nation, Israel. In the Gospel, Andrew believes he is being called by Jesus. Jesus says nothing … Continue reading “Critical Thinking”
Musings on Love
Isaiah writes “The LORD goes forth like a warrior, like a man of war he stirs up his fury; He shouts out his battle cry, against his enemies.” John the Baptist heralds Isaiah’s warrior deity and tries to save people from being an enemy to that deity by cleansing people of past sins. John then … Continue reading “Musings on Love”
Institutions Will Not Save Us
“Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem” where they told “King Herod” of their quest. They seek a newborn holy one, “We saw his star rising.” The Magi are scientists and believers open to epiphanies, to experiencing the essential meaning of divinity present in the world. They cultivate care for the natural world and all … Continue reading “Institutions Will Not Save Us”
Holy Children, Holy Families
Mary and Joseph are bringing their new baby, Jesus, “up to Jerusalem.” They are met by a man named “Simeon” who receives their little one as the “Christ.” Simeon beheld the child as one who would transform the world and “took him into his arms and blessed God.” “There was also a prophetess, Anna.” She … Continue reading “Holy Children, Holy Families”
Women Are Wise
Today’s Old Testament reading unfortunately begins with a fool, the warrior King David. He is feeling anxious because he is not currently laboring at killing, “the LORD has given him rest from his enemies.” The Gospel reading fortunately tells of a wise soul, the lover Mary. She is feeling at peace for she will soon … Continue reading “Women Are Wise”
Women are Truthful
Spending time this Advent with Mary, and women in general, we can discover women are truthful. We hear Mary sing a song from the Gospel of Luke, the Magnificat. The Magnificat is the classic rendition of speaking truth to power, but, since Mary is power, it is really about speaking truth to control, speaking truth … Continue reading “Women are Truthful”
Women Are Powerful
Spending time this Advent with Mary, and women in general, we can discover women are powerful. We would not know that power from today’s Old Testament reading. It promotes atonement, meaning it promotes “sin” and “guilt.” The Gospel reading does not promote atonement but does address it John in the desert. He proclaims “a baptism … Continue reading “Women Are Powerful”
Women Are Adventurers
If we spend time this Advent with Mary, and women in general, what might we discover? Today’s Advent readings lend themselves to discovering women are adventurers. The Old Testament addresses “wanderers”, but it is a rebuke. People have wandered far from their family of origin, the tribe with its law and traditions. Such ventures prove … Continue reading “Women Are Adventurers”
Christ is Not Liberal
Jesus tells disciples, in the “Community of God” caring for the least is caring for him, “Whatever you did for one of the least of mine, you did for me.” Opponents of Jesus will not care for the least and therefore will not care for Christ Jesus nor Christs throughout history, “When did we see … Continue reading “Christ is Not Liberal”