Jesus tells a parable about a banquet. It includes criticism of holy rulers who oppose him and the banquet. The holy rulers are being replaced with a people’s movement and their banquet is being replaced by a table of communion. The rulers banquet is referenced in today’s first reading from Isaiah. In it, Yahweh, the … Continue reading “Unholy Hosts”
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Killing Fields or Fruitful Fields?
Jesus tells a parable about people in a vineyard who go on a killing spree. They “seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned.” “They treated (others) in the same way.” Then, “when they saw the son, they said, “Come, let us kill him.” The men kill because … Continue reading “Killing Fields or Fruitful Fields?”
Are We People For All Time?
In Jesus’ time honor to parents, fathers specifically, was so highly valued male rulers sanctified it as a holy Commandment. In today’s Gospel Jesus tells a parable that shocks his listeners, “chief priests and elders” who are hypocritical keepers of that Commandment system of honor. It extols a son who publicly dishonors his father – … Continue reading “Are We People For All Time?”
Generous Farmers
Jesus tells a parable about the Community of God being a community of generosity. A farmer makes sure all farm workers benefit from a full day’s wage though not all work a full day’s hours. Not everyone likes the farmer’s generosity, “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to … Continue reading “Generous Farmers”
Forgiving the Slaves to White Supremacy
Jesus tells a parable this Sunday about a God who unceasingly forgives others debts or sins; 70 x 7 times. Jesus’ new revelation of divinity, an ethic of forgiving love replaces the old deity, Yahweh, and the old ethic of debt slavery. The old deity was invented by War Lords who enslaved people; Amalekites, Canaanites, … Continue reading “Forgiving the Slaves to White Supremacy”
How Skilled Am I in Moral Conversations?
Jesus gives escalating verbal strategies for speaking up to harmful believers. First, he advises speaking the truth, “If your brother sins… tell him his fault.” Next, expand your courage, “If he does not listen, take others along (to) establish” facts. If he’s still unchanging, Jesus advises speaking up publicly, “Tell the church.” His final advice … Continue reading “How Skilled Am I in Moral Conversations?”
Delusions
Worldly rulers are delusional about Jesus. They believe they need to protect themselves from him; a man who unifies, loves, and heals. Jesus understands their delusion and its violent intent. He tells disciples, “I will suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed.” Peter’s response shows he is delusional … Continue reading “Delusions”
A Monumental Ideal
When an Old Testament ruler, “Shebna, master of the palace,” is stripped of his authority, his “keys” are transferred over to another. That transfer is important to this Sunday’s Gospel account of Simon Peter recognizing Jesus as Christ. Jesus, to distinguish the Old way from his New way, responds by giving “keys” to Simon but … Continue reading “A Monumental Ideal”
Identity Politics
Identity politics is as old as the Old Testament. Identity politics is defined as “a tendency for people of a particular religion, race, etc., to form exclusive political alliances.” The definition fits the chosen people of the Old Testament. They repeatedly formed exclusive political alliances; always around their status as chosen people of Yahweh. The … Continue reading “Identity Politics”
Faithless Christians
Jesus is caught in a storm at sea in today’s Gospel and tells disciples to have faith. Paul says he has faith in Jesus and writes his letters after Jesus establishes the Community of God for all people. However, in Paul’s writings there is a sinking feeling he doubts both Jesus and the Community of … Continue reading “Faithless Christians”