Jesus knows his suffering and death are approaching and he is saying good bye to disciples. He promises to return as an Advocating Spirit, “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.” The practice of reaching out to child orphans was one of the starkest counter-cultural practices of Jesus’ first followers. A … Continue reading “Orphaned Jesus”
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Homemaking
In the Gospel Jesus is preparing disciples for his death. He tells them that, in part, his departure includes a benefit to them. He says, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” It should not be surprising, Jesus spent his life preparing a place for people here on earth. Jesus was a homemaker. … Continue reading “Homemaking”
Strange Bedfellows
Jesus’ description of himself as the Good Shepherd is matched by his periodic description of people as sheep. At times the animals, and therefore people, are described as faithful and innocent and at other times a bit gullible, if not stupid. This Sunday, sheep are described as faithfully hearing their shepherd’s voice calling out to … Continue reading “Strange Bedfellows”
The Journey to Now
Jesus, whose energy helped people feel alive, is dead. He has been murdered, under horrible circumstances, crucifixion. With that violence, the haters from both Rome and Jerusalem think they have destroyed any future challenges from Jesus’ disciples. Two such disciples are so dispirited they are leaving the gathering of community members in Jerusalem behind. They … Continue reading “The Journey to Now”
Paradox: A Skeptic’s Belief
An incredible event is relayed in this Sunday’s Gospel. For some, incredible means ‘miraculous’ but for others it means ‘not credible, unbelievable.’ Jesus, last seen broken and expiring on the cross, appears alive to disciples. They receive it as miraculous. Jesus “stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” … he … Continue reading “Paradox: A Skeptic’s Belief”
Shamans Keep Rising
Jesus’ Gospel witness from Holy Thursday through Good Friday to Easter Sunday is quintessentially transforming. Knowing of his impending murder, he shares a final life-giving meal with community members on Thursday. That same evening, Militarism’s priests of theology arrest him, put him on trial, convict him of crimes, and sentence him to death. The next … Continue reading “Shamans Keep Rising”
The Violent and Their Lies
Throughout his life and most especially in his last days, Jesus challenged the violent and their lies. When the violent told their lie that God ordained them to subjugate others, Jesus challenged them by inviting the subjugated into the Community of God. When the violent lied about God willing the suffering they inflicted, Jesus willed … Continue reading “The Violent and Their Lies”
Coming Forth From Our Sepulchers
Lazarus is dead. His sisters, Martha and Mary are heartsick that he has been taken from them. He has been put in his tomb, a cave with a stone rolled over the entrance. He has been there for four days. He will be in his tomb for an eternity of days as his energy for … Continue reading “Coming Forth From Our Sepulchers”
From Darkness Into Light
What is it we who are not blind want to see? Do we want to see the true meaning of life? Do we want to see it as desperately as the man in this Sunday’s Gospel who is born blind wants to see the physical world? When Jesus heals the blind man people react with … Continue reading “From Darkness Into Light”
A Soft Heart and A Strong Spine
Jesus takes a risk and walks through Samaria. It is considered enemy territory. He then takes an additional risk, engaging with a woman at a well. Jesus’ disciples interpret his behavior as collusion with an enemy, they “were amazed that he was talking with a woman” and certainly a Samaritan. Jesus is simply, but intentionally, … Continue reading “A Soft Heart and A Strong Spine”