The Gospel according to John has a curious comment on the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’ Resurrection: “They did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” – Had to – We’ve all known our had to moments in life; I had to get the job, he had to come home … Continue reading “We Had to Rise”
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Suffering and Violence: Reality and Fable
This Sunday’s long Gospel is about the suffering and violence inflicted upon Jesus. It describes his arrest, trial, torture, and murder. Scripture scholars usually sanctify the violence done to Jesus as in keeping with a ‘suffering servant’ character from Isaiah. Of Isaiah’s 1,292 verses, 30 are so titled. One sample ‘suffering servant’ verse is, “He … Continue reading “Suffering and Violence: Reality and Fable”
Executing Christianity
The woman caught in adultery is a well-known Gospel story. Perhaps we have heard it too often to any longer feel its terror. Officials are purposeful about ragging a frightened woman into public to execute a death penalty plan against her. They put her on display in the Temple area. They intend murder and set … Continue reading “Executing Christianity”
What is Our Context?
The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday’s in Lent provide something called an alternate Gospel reading. Its message is virtually identical to the regular Gospel. The alternate is provided for adults who are preparing for baptism. The institutional Church requires they go through a process called The Scrutinies. While The Scrutinies are encouraged for all in … Continue reading “What is Our Context?”
Remember the Trees We Hugged?
Jesus and several others are talking about recent disasters. One disaster concerns the murderous ruler Pilate. He has the habit of practicing Militarism’s blood sacrifice rituals. His habit elicits a parable from Jesus about a murderous landowner who wants to kill a tree but is prevented from doing so by a gentle farmer. The bloodthirsty … Continue reading “Remember the Trees We Hugged?”
Seeing the Light
This Sunday’s readings concern a certain lack of awareness or lessened consciousness which then shifts. Some people are initially described as overtaken by dark clouds until a fire is lit and they can then see more clearly (Genesis). Other people are described as dulled by earthly concerns until they discern the glory of God (Philippians). … Continue reading “Seeing the Light”
Lent Springs Eternal
The common understanding of Lent is a 40 day experience of giving something up. We exercise our willpower over temptation to deprive ourselves of something we like and see how we fare. While the practice may have its benefits, Lent is about so much more. Lent’s fulness is hindered by the title and misinterpretation given … Continue reading “Lent Springs Eternal”
Are We Friends With the Deep?
Jesus ventures into deep waters in this Sunday’s Gospel and wants us to come along. He begins on the shoreline teaching a variety of people who have come to listen to him. They keep pressing in so that he eventually gets into Peter’s boat off shore and teaches from slightly greater depth. He ventures still … Continue reading “Are We Friends With the Deep?”
Who Knows?
Jesus knows the teachings of the Jewish tradition. After he has been away for a while he returns to the local synagogue and reads from its teachings. He is thus known again by the men of his village as being one of them. However, Jesus then goes on to interpret the reading. He does so … Continue reading “Who Knows?”
Who’s Been Gaming the System
There’s an old joke, not so old that Jesus heard it, but old nonetheless – You can tell Monopoly is an old game because it’s got a luxury tax and it’s possible for rich people to go to jail. The possibility of either or both happening is greater in the board game than in real … Continue reading “Who’s Been Gaming the System”