When the War Lords of the Old Testament invented a god, they did so in their image, one to be feared and obeyed, as they were. Their deity was contrived as loving but is observably abusive. Those obedient to/abused by the War Lords and their invented deity were to love but only their rulers and … Continue reading “How Bold Are We?”
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Shaking Persecutors
Much of Isaiah affirms the persecution a just deity inflicts upon his Chosen People who have been disobedient. In its last chapter, Isaiah tells the Chosen People who have returned to obedience that “Everyone will see the LORD’s hand of blessing on his servants and his anger against his enemies.” Jesus’ Gospel obliterates that blessing … Continue reading “Shaking Persecutors”
Concentration
There’s an old joke told about three men being asked, “What do you want to hear said about you as you lay in your coffin.” The first wants to hear: “He was a great family man.” The second wants to hear: “He was a great doctor.” The third wants to hear: “He’s breathing!” In this … Continue reading “Concentration”
Stop Supporting the Troops
Abram in the Old Testament is set to wage war. He “mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Retainers are armed soldiers, men born into debt/slavery to a tribal warlord, and used as troops. Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, … Continue reading “Stop Supporting the Troops”
Being Pro-Choice is No Mystery
We live in a world dominated by science, meaning to know. From science we know the substance of the stars and the intricacies of the womb. We do not, however, know the origins of either – the origins of life. Life is a mystery. All of humanity lives within the mystery that is life in … Continue reading “Being Pro-Choice is No Mystery”
A Universal People’s Movement
Jesus has a universal message of communion and is often on the move sharing it. He is thus constantly in contact with a variety of different people always bringing them together. He is creating a new people’s movement. It is a universal movement in which all people are in communion. Jesus’ universal movement is highlighted … Continue reading “A Universal People’s Movement”
Usual and Unusual
Disciples have not been living a usual life. They’ve been living an unusual life with an unusual guide, Jesus, a peacemaker. Usual life consists of living under warmaking rulers who judge common people’s sins and calculate the payment they must suffer through to be redeemed of their sinner status. The payment might be money, it … Continue reading “Usual and Unusual”
Peace On All Sides
Jesus tends not to take sides, meaning he does not play favorites or act like a judge. Jesus does however clearly take sides in the manner of a life witness. For example, Jesus is not on the side of war. He is on the side of peace. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus, the peacemaker, is letting … Continue reading “Peace On All Sides”
Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas
Jesus knows Judas is about to betray him to the rulers who will kill him. Jesus takes responsibility to reach out lovingly to Judas. He shares a communion meal with Judas. Jesus is honest and addresses Judas and his betrayal at the meal. Judas unfortunately goes through with the betrayal. However, we know Judas later … Continue reading “Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas”
Border Attacks on Our Home
Three young women are walking home late at night. The first says “We should split up so that if someone attacks us, one of us is free to get help.” The second says “We should stay together so that if someone attacks us, we can fight him off better.” The third girl says “If I … Continue reading “Border Attacks on Our Home”