Jesus decides to “teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this?” “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense … Continue reading “The Significance of the Insignificant”
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Faith in Action
The synagogue official, Jairus, approached Jesus pleading, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She … Continue reading “Faith in Action”
Stopping the Storm
While the disciples and Jesus were in a boat, a “violent storm came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.” Jesus was asleep. “They woke him… ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! … Continue reading “Stopping the Storm”
Attention
Ancient Israel is a small nation but demands great attention due to its War Lords writing of their supremacy over others as God’s “Chosen People,” “majestic, descendants of a “royal line.” Conversely, Jesus draws great attention due to gathering a growing people’s movement, The Community of God. He describes it in humble terms, “a mustard … Continue reading “Attention”
Curing Stupid
Jesus is accused by rulers of being a demon, “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Jesus replied, ‘How can Satan drive out Satan?” “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.’” “’No one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he … Continue reading “Curing Stupid”
The Religion of Militarism’s Human Sacrifice System
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood.” Jesus’ final meal, celebrated today … Continue reading “The Religion of Militarism’s Human Sacrifice System “
Creeds: The Trinity
“Jesus approached the disciples and said to them,” “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” Today’s Feast of the Trinity is not well proven from the Gospel. Today’s Gospel contributes to a lack of proof, as the … Continue reading “Creeds: The Trinity”
Spirit Filled ‘Yes’
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each … Continue reading “Spirit Filled ‘Yes’”
Adulting
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” In my name you “will drive out demons,… speak new languages,… lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ So then Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven.” “They went forth and preached … Continue reading “Adulting”
Showing Partiality
After Jesus is murdered by rulers of the Roman Empire, his disciples do their best to “love one another.” Disciples start expanding Jesus’ Community of God to diverse members and to expanding their love to those diverse members. Peter is struggling though. He is initially inclined to be loving and show partiality to those who … Continue reading “Showing Partiality”