During Jesus’ time, family meant tribal safety in a threatening world. When Jesus draws people away from family, as he does in this Sunday’s Gospel, he is replacing tribalism with community and safety with risk. He tells potential followers about the risk, “take up your cross and follow after me.” The risk happens because tribal … Continue reading “Risking A Civilized World”
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Nursing Courage
“Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one.” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, angry men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a deadly disease like the coronavirus. Some centuries back, the people of Italy … Continue reading “Nursing Courage”
A Red Flag
Jesus is telling the crowds, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Those listening quarrel at the thought. Who would not put up a red flag after that? A red flag is used to warn of danger. When Jesus speaks of … Continue reading “A Red Flag”
A Revolution of Love
Jesus is a loving man. He opens his heart, indeed his whole life to a variety of people who reflect a variety of personalities. Which is not to say his encounters are always pleasant. He is targeted by antagonistic, angry, and even vengeful personalities – always they are dominant rulers or those who desire the … Continue reading “A Revolution of Love”
Decorating Our Memories
The disciples were “all in one place together” when “tongues as of fire, parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Spirit and began to speak… as the Spirit enabled them.” They went out among people gathered together from all parts of the world, and they … Continue reading “Decorating Our Memories”
Friends and Enemies
Jesus was targeted as an enemy by rulers and executed. His friends are shocked and depressed by his murder. They are not, however, angry vowing payback nor riled up plotting revenge. Nothing in the behavior of disciples shows a targeting of enemies. Their friend Jesus then returns in the Resurrection. They enjoy 40 more days … Continue reading “Friends and Enemies”
Religious Imperialism
The Acts of the Apostles describes early efforts of some disciples to share Jesus’ Way. These include “Peter and John,” and also “Philip.” Each set out to love as Christ loved and thus “proclaimed the Christ” to people and healed people afflicted and orphaned; in their own land and in other lands such as “Samaria.” … Continue reading “Religious Imperialism”
Doctors of Peace
Jesus is at his last meal with disciples. This includes Judas who has already betrayed Jesus and later that night will assault him. Jesus knows Judas is betraying him. He knows and describes the assault and violence that await. Jesus does not, however, assault Judas nor does he even protest against him. Instead, Jesus initiates … Continue reading “Doctors of Peace”
The Bully Pulpit
In Sunday’s readings from Peter, we are told, “If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.” Are we to be patient when the suffering is intentionally inflicted and repeatedly so? That describes bullying. Jesus was never patient about people suffering under bullies. In today’s Gospel … Continue reading “The Bully Pulpit”
A Man Commended to You By God
After Jesus’ death, Peter, in the Acts of the Apostles, is making the case for Jesus. Peter asserts “Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs” of healings. But Peter unfortunately goes on to link the commendable healer Jesus with the lamentable ruler David, “the patriarch … Continue reading “A Man Commended to You By God”