Isaiah spends much of his writing affirming Yahweh’s persecution of disobedient Chosen People. In the last chapter, Isaiah tells the obedient, “Everyone will see the LORD’s hand of blessing on his servants and his anger against his enemies.” In the Gospel, Jesus missions common people to bless enemies and to expect persecution in return, “I … Continue reading “Shaking Persecutors”
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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 slaves, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram.” “Then Abram gave him a … 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. Jesus’ universal movement of communion is highlighted at Pentecost, All “were filled with the Spirit and began … 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 is living under warmaking rulers. Rulers 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 or property, … 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 the side of life. Jesus is not on the side of war. He is on the side of peace. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus, the peacemaker, is letting disciples know he will always be … Continue reading “Peace On All Sides”
White 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 “White Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas”
Borders 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 “Borders on Our Home”
Slaves, Prostitutes, Soldiers
Disciples are alive with the Spirit of the Risen Christ. They are giving witness to a free and revolutionary way that disturbs the system and those who arrange for its undisturbed dominance. Those dominating the system during Jesus’ time included the Sanhedrin, rabbis who ruled ancient Israel. When Jesus’ peaceful revolution started disturbing those rulers, … Continue reading “Slaves, Prostitutes, Soldiers”