Jesus is Transfigured before the very eyes of three of his disciples. They see his face shine radiant like the sun and his clothes become dazzling white. They watch him instruct two ancient figures on the Transfiguration of humanity, away from an ancient figure of a War Lord and toward an eternal figure of a … Continue reading “Transfigured or Disfigured?”
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Whose Kingdom?
Is the Kingdom of God Jesus is describing and establishing here on earth a treasure; is it a pearl of great price, maybe a net, or perhaps a person caring for a home – and how is it so? It is all and more and each of Jesus’ metaphors is worthy of its own considerable … Continue reading “Whose Kingdom?”
Wheat and Weeds
The Old Testament includes a well-known belief in a chosen people with a deity who intercedes for them. They are distinguished from other people who are not chosen and against whom that same deity inflicts punishment. Paul repeats the Old belief in Sunday’s second reading. Fortunately, Jesus gives us a wholly different Gospel message in … Continue reading “Wheat and Weeds”
Painting a Life
Jesus paints a picture with words about a sower and seeds thrown to a blustering breeze. We see the seeds carried first by a hand and then by a wind and watch them as they fall to the earth that receives them. More than seeing a farmer, a kernel, and a field, we ourselves become … Continue reading “Painting a Life”
The Weight of Rulers
Who are the people who wait for rulers to come and save them? It seems the Hebrews are such people. It’s a reoccurring theme in the Old Testament and part of this Sunday’s first reading, “shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, meek, and … Continue reading “The Weight of Rulers”
The Misguided Concern for Personal Salvation
Jesus shows concern for others. Out of concern for others he is willing to lead a dangerous life. He intentionally challenges the world’s political, financial, and theological status quo. That status quo is devised by Militarists; supremacists who abuse and violate common people. It needs to be challenged. Jesus first starts gathering common people together … Continue reading “The Misguided Concern for Personal Salvation”
How Comfortable Am I With Courage?
Jesus is a courageous man. He consistently stands up to those oppressing others and himself. He seems comfortable in doing so. An Old Testament figure, Jeremiah, is sometimes likened to Jesus, described as a man who is also oppressed and yet courageous. Does an accurate comparison exist between Jesus and Jeremiah as to their being … Continue reading “How Comfortable Am I With Courage?”
Shockingly Alive
Communion, also called Eucharist, is a deeply meaningful experience for disciples. It is an experience of the Real Presence of Christ. The belief can be received by others as at least peculiar if not shocking. This Sunday’s Gospel according to John shows an early example of the shock when Jesus says to listeners, “I am … Continue reading “Shockingly Alive”
Trinitarian or Relational?
The Trinity is a notoriously abstract concept within institutional christianity. On this Trinity Sunday, the Gospel reading is drawn from John. John is notoriously theologically abstract. John’s writings could be said to hint at the theological concept of the Trinity in a few select passages, though not this Sunday. The three Synoptics Gospels, Mark, Matthew, … Continue reading “Trinitarian or Relational?”
Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?
Dear Evangelicals, When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, you were all in one [palace] together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving [spin], and it filled the entire [white]house in which you were. Then there appeared to you [glory] as of fire, which parted and came to rest … Continue reading “Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?”