Jesus is forced before Pilate who questions Jesus from a War Lord’s point of view, “Your own nation and chief priests handed you over to me.” But Jesus never belonged to their world; it is the same world as Pilate’s. It is a world of fighting. Jesus rejected it to create a world of healing … Continue reading “Jesus’ Disciples Do Not Fight”
Blog
Earlier Immigrant Tribulations
Jesus cautions people about the “tribulation” rulers will cause for them, “Those times will be more distressful than any.” The tribulation focuses on the rulers terrorizing and killing him. But Jesus understand rulers will terrorize and kill commoners of every age. Commoners will face the tribulations with love and courage. Francesca Cabrini, born in Lombardy, … Continue reading “Earlier Immigrant Tribulations”
Molded by Scribes
“Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the Scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the market places, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” The word scribe means “to write,” and signified the man who was the keeper of laws, accounts, and so forth. … Continue reading “Molded by Scribes”
An Eve and A Day for Saints
In the Old Testament “Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Fear the Lord, your God, and observe… all his statutes and commandments.” In the Gospel when a scribe who is a follower of Moses asks Jesus about Moses’ commandments, Jesus does not tell people to “Fear.” He tells them only to “Love.” To those who … Continue reading “An Eve and A Day for Saints”
Walking Away From War
The Old Testament writes that through the warrior Jacob, the War Lord Yahweh, “has delivered his people,” who will exalt at the head of nations.” “I guide them; I will lead” them and the people will walk in his way. The New Testament reading says “every high priest” offers blood “sacrifices for sins.” He “must … Continue reading “Walking Away From War”
Lording Nuclear Annihilation
Two of Jesus’ followers desire the glory of rule and ask him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus then summons the others and says to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers lord it over them, and their great … Continue reading “Lording Nuclear Annihilation”
How Hard It Is For Those Who Have Wealth
A rich man is told by Jesus, “’Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it … Continue reading “How Hard It Is For Those Who Have Wealth”
Care-full and Play-full
The Pharisees do not so much care about people as they care about people obeying their laws. Jesus demonstrates care and cares that the Pharisees do not care. Jesus speaks about their lack of care to their face, “the hardness of your hearts.” Jesus then notices a hardness of hearts in his disciples, “People were … Continue reading “Care-full and Play-full”
Capitalism, Socialism, Communism
James is a poor disciple of a poor man, Jesus, who partnered with people to co-create the one “Community of God.” He cautions listeners about how the rich are divisive in the kingdom of Caesar, “Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries… Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who … Continue reading “Capitalism, Socialism, Communism”
Parents Who Will Not Receive a Child
Some disciples “had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.” In reply, Jesus, “taking a child, placed the child in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.’” However great we imagine we are, most … Continue reading “Parents Who Will Not Receive a Child”