“A little more wine?” “I’d love some.” Who wouldn’t love a little more wine. W.C. Fields loved wine. He loved it so much he once said, “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” If the comedian had lived at the time of Jesus, he would have been his best friend, … Continue reading “La Gioia Di Buoni Vino E Buoni Amici”
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What Is It We Expect?
Expectations are at the center of this Sunday’s readings. They are based on exclusivity and chosen people. The Old Testament reading reflects the culture of Militarism and sets up the expectation of a violent warrior who is an exclusive savior for a chosen people. The Gospel then says “the people were filled with expectation” for … Continue reading “What Is It We Expect?”
What is the Magi In Us?
Matthew’s desire to illuminate Jesus’ likely obscure birth has him pen a story of Magi visiting the manger. The Magi serve as a counter-balance to Herod. The Magi are wise, Herod foolish. The Magi are honest, Herod deceptive. The Magi bring gifts to welcome a birth, Herod devises a plot to carry out a murder. … Continue reading “What is the Magi In Us?”
How Can We Extend Our Children’s Families?
A story is told about Jesus being lost when he is 12 years old. Mary and Joseph are returning home from a festival in Jerusalem. Having journeyed for a day already, Mary and Joseph cannot find Jesus nestled in the safety of extended family members. They return to the city and after three days of … Continue reading “How Can We Extend Our Children’s Families?”
Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?
Two life-giving women, Mary and Elizabeth, come together in this Sunday’s Gospel. They are cradling within and between themselves the power of life. They respond to each other from that power: “At the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” For Christmas to be a … Continue reading “Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?”
Can We Celebrate a Humble Christmas Season?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist is sought after as a man of integrity, humble and wise. Some people begin to wonder if he is the Christ. Being humble John deflects any potential glory and directs people toward another: “there is one who comes after me.” Interestingly enough, Jesus, who John is heralding, also … Continue reading “Can We Celebrate a Humble Christmas Season?”
Are We Domesticated or Wild?
This Sunday’s Gospel opens by identifying the terrorist leaders of the Roman Empire. The Empire is topped by Caesar who controls two trained underlings in Palestine, Pilate and Herod. The Roman Empire, like all empires, including the U.S. Empire, terrorizes common people. Those terrorized include common people of the ruler’s own land, as well as … Continue reading “Are We Domesticated or Wild?”
How Can We Change the Climate This Christmas Season?
The Advent/Christmas season begins with the Gospel forecasting an apocalyptic event. It uses symbolic language to convey its seriousness: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay.” Jesus describes a climate of distress apparent socially and personally (he’s facing his own suffering and … Continue reading “How Can We Change the Climate This Christmas Season?”
Are Christians Willfully Ignorant of Jesus’ Nonviolence?
Jesus initiates a radical paradigm shift for humanity when he teaches and gives witness to the Community of God, sometimes translated as the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ Kingdom of God shifts humanity to communion, love, and creative healing power thus transforming the kingdom of Caesar’s domination, suffering, and violence. Unfortunately, institutional christianity hinders that transformation. … Continue reading “Are Christians Willfully Ignorant of Jesus’ Nonviolence?”
How Could Jesus Predict This Generation’s Terrorism?
Jesus predicts terror in much of Mark’s 13th chapter read this Sunday. The terror has an overall and particular infliction to it. Overall, the terrorism is the pain inflicted by every generation’s Militarist rulers. In particular, such terrorism will soon be directed against Jesus who will be tortured and murdered. Also against disciples. Jesus’ predictions … Continue reading “How Could Jesus Predict This Generation’s Terrorism?”