“You are appointed watchman,” says the Lord in Ezekiel. “When you hear me say anything, you shall warn the wicked for me.” If “you do not… the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” Jesus never appoints watchmen for the wicked liable for their deaths. Instead, Jesus … Continue reading “Cancel Culture”
Blog
Duped
“I let myself be duped,” acknowledges Jeremiah in the first reading. He knows who duped him, “You duped me O Lord.” Being duped by Lords, earthly ones who invent heavenly ones, is unfortunately rather common. Jesus in the Gospel is therefore educating disciples about Lords and not to be duped by them, “Jesus began to … Continue reading “Duped”
Anti-Abortion: Different Means and Ends
“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my community, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” You are Mary, and upon this beloved I will build my community. You are Perpetua and Felicity, and upon this endurance and happiness I will build my community. You are Hans and … Continue reading “Anti-Abortion: Different Means and Ends”
Capitalism’s Scarcity or a Mother’s Abundance?
Old Testament priests demand from the people money and consumables such as grain and animals from the people’s labor, “burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar.” Priests burned some of the people’s offerings and sacrifices but stored most for themselves, in the Temple. The Temple operated as an early bank for rulers … Continue reading “Capitalism’s Scarcity or a Mother’s Abundance?”
Healed of the Herd
Late into the night disciples are in a boat “being tossed about by the waves.” They see Jesus coming “toward them walking on the sea.” “They were terrified” “and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” Peter alone asserts he is not … Continue reading “Healed of the Herd”
What To Do With U.S. and Biblical Slave Owners?
Following Jesus late into the evening are crowds of people who are hungry. Disciples advise they be dismissed to “go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus says, “(G)ive them some food yourselves.” “Five loaves and two fishes are all we have.” “Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking … Continue reading “What To Do With U.S. and Biblical Slave Owners?”
The Old and The New
Jesus has been telling people terrorized by Empire, both David’s and Caesar’s, parables about the Community of God. The Community of God is described as a treasure, a fine pearl, a net and thus surprising, joyful, fulfilling. Upon concluding all the parables Jesus says, “Every scribe who has been instructed in the Community of God … Continue reading “The Old and The New”
Plan for Bold Love
Ancient War Lords always had a master plan. To sanctify their master plan, they invented mirror image Master War Lords, like Yahweh. So it is that Yahweh is described in today’s Old Testament reading as a “master of might” whose plan is for “mastery over all things.” Jesus has no “master” plan for “mastery.” His … Continue reading “Plan for Bold Love”
The Climate of Militarism
Affirming nature, its beauty and goodness, is the long term pattern, or climate, of the Gospel. Jesus’ words and actions create an atmosphere of communion with nature. He shows gratitude for the gifts of nature. The Gospel climate of affirming nature is especially true in Jesus’ parable of The Sower this Sunday. The parable tells … Continue reading “The Climate of Militarism”
Conspiracy Theories
In Jesus’ time, learned scholars would convene among themselves apart from the people. In their enclaves they devised rules for the people to obey, often using specialized language. Asserting knowledge hidden from mere commoners, these learned rulers, and their consorts, kept the people divided, arguing over minutiae of their rules. Jesus, on the other hand, … Continue reading “Conspiracy Theories”