Jesus’ Golden Rule from today’s Gospel, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” is compared with Buddhism’s “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find harmful.” It is also compared with Judaism’s “What is hateful to you do not do to your fellow man.” There is another ‘rule’ of … Continue reading “Courage of Christ, Cowardice of Soldiers”
Blog
Blessings
A man with lipstick on his collar who smelled of gin stumbled into a mostly empty church and sat next to a priest who was saying prayers in the front row. He took out a newspaper and began reading. “Shay, Father, what caushes arthritish?” The priest, none too happy with his pew partner said, “Mister, … Continue reading “Blessings”
Being Spoiled Isn’t Kid’s Stuff
Jesus has a gift for words and is a highly sought-after teacher. His words, which he gives away freely, attract great crowds as in this Sunday’s Gospel. He is never shown letting the people’s attention spoil him. In other words, he never expresses feelings of entitlement. He never expects others to please him or serve … Continue reading “Being Spoiled Isn’t Kid’s Stuff”
Special Love
While at Synagogue, Jesus reveals a God whose love is for all people. His revelation angers the men there who believe they are the special love of a special god. Jesus then reminds them of a couple of instances when their own rather selectively loving deity managed to expand his special love. He recalls stories … Continue reading “Special Love”
Free and Fulfilled
“Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly” who had just returned home after a long captivity. He stood “on a wooden platform” “higher up than any of the people.” The people “bowed down and prostrated themselves …(and) Ezra read plainly from the Book of the Law of God.” Centuries later Jesus stands before … Continue reading “Free and Fulfilled”
Love and Its Size
Sunday’s first reading from Isaiah expresses the special love “the Lord” has for Israel. The love is compared to a marriage, “as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.” “The Lord” promises vindication for his special love, “No more shall people call you “Forsaken, or your land “Desolate.” The … Continue reading “Love and Its Size”
Beginning With Peace
Sunday’s readings begin with a passage from Isaiah referred to as the Suffering Servant. It is about one who will fight to “bring forth justice to the nations.” He will not “cry out” nor “shout,” “a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench until he establishes justice on … Continue reading “Beginning With Peace”
All Stories Are True and Some of Them Really Happened
The story is told of three wise ones who seek a baby. They have seen his star rising in the East and wish “to do him homage.” They share their intention with the ruler of the land to which they travel, Herod, a most unwise man. Herod will not do homage to a child he … Continue reading “All Stories Are True and Some of Them Really Happened”
Minding Our Children and Hearting Them Too
Mary and Joseph with their young son Jesus are travelling to Jerusalem with extended family. Across centuries of such family trips two essentials are conveyed; enjoy and stay safe. We genuinely mean the first one but usually in the context of the second one. Safety tends to be paramount and thus we say to children, … Continue reading “Minding Our Children and Hearting Them Too”
Pro-Life Christmas: Giving Birth
On this fourth Sunday in Advent we share in the lives of two women, Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, both soon to give birth to sons. In communion with them, we too feel an “infant in (our) womb leap for joy” and we too are “filled with the Spirit.” Together, we wonder “how does this … Continue reading “Pro-Life Christmas: Giving Birth”