Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?” “From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three.” Jesus is letting … Continue reading “Addicted To War or Passionate for Peace”
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Lethal Gods with Lethal Weapons
Today’s non-Gospel readings tell of a lethal God. The Book of Wisdom recalls God’s lethal plague killing the first-born of the Egyptians, “a multitude of their children (you) made perish all at once.” The Letter to the Hebrews recalls Abraham’s willingness to take a knife and obey God’s lethal command to “sacrifice” his son Isaac. … Continue reading “Lethal Gods with Lethal Weapons”
You Fool, Tech Bro
“Jesus told the crowd a parable. ‘There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.’ ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods.’” “But God said to him, ‘You fool.” Jesus asks us to ponder … Continue reading “You Fool, Tech Bro”
Help
Disciples ask Jesus for help, “Teach us to pray.” Included in Jesus’ response he says, “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be … Continue reading “Help”
Perpetrators as Victims
“Martha welcomed Jesus. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord … Continue reading “Perpetrators as Victims”
The ICE Agents Who Fell Victim to Robbers
“On a journey to Jericho, a man fell victim to robbers. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan who … Continue reading “The ICE Agents Who Fell Victim to Robbers”
Free To Be Peacemakers
The Old Testament reading tells us, “Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem… In Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” “The LORD’s strength shall be revealed to his people, but to his enemies, his wrath.” In the Gospel, disciples are sent out beyond Jerusalem, not to show their strength through wrath against enemies but through … Continue reading “Free To Be Peacemakers”
Human Rights
“King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword and… proceeded to arrest Peter also.” “He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.” Kings, Prime Ministers, Presidents, all … Continue reading “Human Rights”
Silent Slaves or People of Conscience
In the Old Testament reading, Abraham has slaves whom he takes to war as soldiers to kill enemies. Upon victory, an allied king, Melchizedek, who also uses slaves as soldiers, glorifies Abraham as God/Godly. Abraham gave the war’s plunder to his slaves/soldiers. “Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.” Melchizedek specifically tells Abraham, “Give me … Continue reading “Silent Slaves or People of Conscience”
Fathers and Sons
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. What are the hopes and dreams of every father for his son? Perhaps it is that he too should know the joy … Continue reading “Fathers and Sons”