This Third Sunday in Advent has a Gospel reading that once again focuses not on Mary but on John the Baptist. It includes John being sought out as a wisdom figure. The last of the people seeking wisdom are men paid to be violent, soldiers. They ask John, “And what is it we should do?” … Continue reading “A Pro-Life Christmas: Women’s Wisdom”
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A Pro-Life Christmas: Our Bodies
Advent’s liturgical readings leading up to Jesus’ birth focus less on Mary and more on John the Baptist. Today’s reading on John focuses on how he relates to his body. John subjects his body to austere desert living, withholding basic needs from his body. John’s life style, asceticism, which neither Jesus nor Mary live, values … Continue reading “A Pro-Life Christmas: Our Bodies”
A Pro-Life Christmas: Women
The season of Advent has arrived. Advent means arrival and thus during Advent peacemakers prepare with Mary for the arrival of her baby, Jesus. Except that liturgically speaking, based on the usual Gospel readings for the season, we do not. Little attention is given to Mary and instead to John the Baptist. How is it … Continue reading “A Pro-Life Christmas: Women”
For What Was I Born?
Rulers who opposed Jesus from the beginning have had him forcibly arrested. He stands before the ultimate ruler of the land, Pontius Pilate. Pilate assumes Jesus is some type of ruler, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus is not such a ruler, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom … Continue reading “For What Was I Born?”
Revolutionary Prayers
Sunday’s readings speak of troubled times; “unsurpassed in distress” and “tribulation.” Jesus speaks his message on these concerns from Jerusalem. Jerusalem is an outpost of the Roman Empire with soldiers who cause troubled times, distress, and tribulation. Jesus is a peacemaker who causes courage, calm, and comfort. He is encouraging other peacemakers to be that … Continue reading “Revolutionary Prayers”
Both Sides? Nope
Jesus is telling people to “beware of the scribes.” He notes how they like to “accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” He also notes how they like to “devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers.” Jesus understands the scribes use … Continue reading “Both Sides? Nope”
What is Our Consciousness?
Sunday’s readings show consciousness of a culture’s laws. It begins with a consciousness of the Ten Commandments, then consciousness of the Levitical priesthood and its judgment of many laws, and finally the consciousness of a scribe who questions Jesus about all law. Jesus violated his culture’s laws. Law is used to control and oppress people. … Continue reading “What is Our Consciousness?”
Survival of the Compassionate
Bartimaeus cannot see. He cannot see the beauty of the sunrise nor its setting. He cannot see that the flowers are a light lilac and the olives a deep green. He cannot see the faces of his loved ones. He can bask in the warmth of the sun. He can smell the flowers and taste … Continue reading “Survival of the Compassionate”
Warlords and Saints
Sunday’s first reading from the Old Testament opens by telling us, “The Lord was pleased to crush him.” What kind of Lord is so pleased? A War Lord. The reading goes on, “If he gives his life as an offering for sin … the will of the Lord will be accomplished.” What Lord’s will is … Continue reading “Warlords and Saints”
Wisdom: Conventional or Counter-cultural?
This Sunday’s readings are concerned with wisdom and its effects. Some of the wisdom is conventional, defined as conveying generally accepted beliefs, opinions, and judgments. It can be contrasted with true wisdom that counters convention. The two wisdoms meet in the Gospel. A conventionally wise rich young man who glorifies rulers, their wealth and laws … Continue reading “Wisdom: Conventional or Counter-cultural?”