Jesus tells a parable this Sunday about a conniving steward caught “squandering the master’s property.” Though caught, he does not stop his conniving. He merely shifts it to “his master’s debtors one by one.” He does so for personal benefit, figuring, “when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.” … Continue reading “The Con of Wile E. Characters”
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The Case For Reparations
In the Old Testament, Yahweh, “the Lord,” wears a MAGA hat: Make Atonement Great Again. Atonement makes a case for reparations – payments from the people to “the Lord.” It is an ancient yet still operative system. “The Lord” remains a projection of earthly ‘Lords’ who still exact reparations – payments from the people to … Continue reading “The Case For Reparations”
Elder Esteem
Why does Jesus tell followers to lessen esteem for their parents? In today’s Gospel he says, “If anyone comes to me without hating father and mother…they cannot be my disciple.” Jesus is undoing the esteem given for worldly position. Unfortunately, Paul, in the second reading reasserts such esteem and thus reasserts its patriarchy and slavery. … Continue reading “Elder Esteem”
The Capacity for God
“An attentive ear is the joy of the wise,” so writes Sirach. Wisely listening to the wisdom of another requires we “conduct our affairs with humility.” Jesus wisely gives an attentive ear to others and therefore conducts his affairs with humility. In the Gospel, “Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the … Continue reading “The Capacity for God”
Who and What We Do and Do Not Know
From Sunday’s Old Testament reading we know of the claim that “all nations” will worship “the Lord.” Western history would seem to bear this claim out. The U.S. continues to show a majority of people still worshiping the Bible’s “Lord.” We also know from the Old Testament and Sunday’s second reading, that “whom the Lord … Continue reading “Who and What We Do and Do Not Know”
Gunning For People
Jeremiah is blaming the people and their sins for gangs of soldiers making war against them and dividing the people between Babylon and Jerusalem. Jeremiah does not blame the gangs of soldiers. Conversely, Jesus is encouraging the people for peaceful leadership. They will need it for the ensuing division ahead, “From now on a household … Continue reading “Gunning For People”
Charged With Leadership
Jesus contrasts his Way with the way of rulers. The contrast he highlights in this Sunday’s Gospel goes to leadership. He tells disciples to be “alert,” “prepared,’ and especially, to be “in charge.” Jesus’ leadership is therefore a contrast to rulers who condition subordination in underlings. Leadership is presented as a paramount value in U.S. … Continue reading “Charged With Leadership”
Human Consumption
“Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” The first reading from Ecclesiastes warns the pursuit of things consumes the fool. Lost in the consumption is our soul. Jesus tells a parable of a soul so very foolishly consumed, “A rich man, whose land produced a bountiful harvest” ponders, ‘What shall I do?’ ‘I shall build … Continue reading “Human Consumption”
Ask, Seek, Knock
Jesus lives in the middle of a culture whose militant rulers are persistent about their lack of care. Rulers do not care for sinners; for women, children, those who are poor, and others. If we add up the numbers of those harmed by that lack of care, will it add to the bravery and courage … Continue reading “Ask, Seek, Knock”
Magic Kingdom
Abraham is known for a rather famous offer of hospitality to travelers, “please do not go on past … let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves.” Afterward, Abraham is rewarded, “One of them said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have … Continue reading “Magic Kingdom”