Similar to a previous peacemaker, Gautama Buddha, Christ Jesus creates a seismic shift in human history. This Sunday’s Transfiguration is one expression of that shift. Its seismic nature however is not appreciated by Biblical fundamentalists who write commentaries on the event. They diminish both Jesus and the Transfiguration. They do so by interpreting both as … Continue reading “Moses, Elijah, and Muhammad; Not Jesus”
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Deal with the Devil
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert and tempted by the devil.” While the word devil conjures up monstrous images its original meaning is less horrific. Devil is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Satan which is defined as “adversary” and means someone or something that acts ‘against’ – against us, against … Continue reading “Deal with the Devil”
Lilies of the Field
We have played among the wild flowers and laughed in delight. We have touched their softness and smiled at their allure. We feel the beauty of their pure being. “Which of you by worrying can add a moment to your lifespan?” “Consider the lilies of the field: They do not labor nor do they spin. … Continue reading “Lilies of the Field”
Obstruct, Resist, Love
Jesus is again replacing the Law with conscience in this Sunday’s Gospel, “You have heard the law, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Resistance is the current mood in the U.S. How can it be that Jesus … Continue reading “Obstruct, Resist, Love”
Well-Formed Conscience Well-Formed Law
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, has Jesus say, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt 5:17) The line is misinterpreted and isolated to diminish the revolution of Jesus’ Good News. As such, it … Continue reading “Well-Formed Conscience Well-Formed Law”
Infectious Diseases
Leprosy is an infectious disease. It physically disfigures and disables a person. In biblical times lepers were ordered by priests to be cast out of society. In today’s Gospel a leper violates that priestly order by approaching Jesus. Jesus violates it too by caring for the man; he touches him and heals him. When Jesus … Continue reading “Infectious Diseases”
Changing Through the Beatitudes
Jesus is changing the way we human beings can see the world and ourselves. He is overturning the hurtful values in which many of us are raised. He does so on a mountain side as he addresses a crowd. We learn we are blessed in ways we never realized. Blessed are we when poor in … Continue reading “Changing Through the Beatitudes”
Shifting To A Bright Light
“The people sit in darkness.” A tyrant, aligned with another more tyrannical ruler, controls the darkness. He’s entombing a challenger in his darkness. The people need someone to step forth as a light. Someone does and offers a vision into the darkness and, more importantly, a vision beyond it. With this Sunday’s Gospel in one … Continue reading “Shifting To A Bright Light”
Christ Is Among Us
John the Baptist is portrayed as devoted in his mission – to make Christ known. Yet the Gospel also portrays John as not being entirely sure who Christ Jesus is, saying twice, “I did not know him.” John is willing to let the Spirit open him to Christ’s Presence. To be both devoted in our … Continue reading “Christ Is Among Us”
The Gift of Epiphany
To have an epiphany is to experience suddenly a lovely expression of the Fullness of Mystery in the world. Epiphany describes the experience of the Magi. The Magi are three wise travelers who seek that Fullness of Mystery and experience, suddenly, its lovely expression. Their experience is realized in the face of a child. The … Continue reading “The Gift of Epiphany”