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?”
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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. Militarists need to be challenged. Jesus starts gathering common people together for … Continue reading “The Misguided Concern for Personal Salvation”
How Comfortable Am I With Courage?
Jesus is a courageous man. He consistently stands up to rulers who are oppressing others and himself. He seems comfortable in doing so. An Old Testament figure, Jeremiah, is sometimes likened to Jesus. Jeremiah is described as a man who is also oppressed and yet courageous. Does an accurate comparison exist between Jesus and Jeremiah … 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 may 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. Today’s Gospel reading from John, who tends to be abstract, does not even hint at the Trinity. The three Synoptics Gospels, Mark, Matthew, and Luke are more descriptive of Jesus’ life witness and have no reference to the Trinity at all. The Trinity is not … 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?”
God as Father
Yahweh is a deity within the religion of Militarism. He is the fictional War Lord deity invented by Hebrew War Lords. Yahweh sanctifies Old Testament rulers who dominate over the people. Yahweh cannot be compared to the historical peacemaker Jesus of Nazareth in the Gospel. Attempts to connect the two, however, are sometimes made. One … Continue reading “God as Father”