Possession is of central importance in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus heals a possessed man and people are astonished at his authority to do so. Commentators on this and other Gospel stories of possession sometimes alter or dismiss the possession element. They suggest possession is a misunderstanding of mental illness. However, possession may in fact be … Continue reading “Possession”
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A Fulfilling Peace
Jesus makes a proclamation in this Sunday’s Gospel. “This is the time of fulfillment. The Community of God is at hand.” By doing so Jesus shifts the meaning of fulfillment. People longed for centuries of promise to be realized in a time of fulfillment. They had been promised fulfillment in the form of a lone … Continue reading “A Fulfilling Peace”
The Meaning of Persuasion
Persuasion, causing someone to believe or do something, flows through this Sunday’s Gospel. John the Baptist persuades two of his disciples, one of whom is Andrew, to inquire after Jesus. Jesus, understands both men are seeking something deeper, a life of meaning. Jesus persuades them to come to where he is staying and learn from … Continue reading “The Meaning of Persuasion”
Baptism: Immersion in Water, Spirit, or Blood
This Sunday’s Gospel describes John’s water baptism of repentance, and the deity who seemingly requires it. The Gospel also describes John’s baptism being transcended. Humanity is invited instead into an immersion in Jesus’ revelation of Divinity as a gentle Spirit; peaceful and loving: “the Spirit, like a dove, descended upon Jesus: And a voice came … Continue reading “Baptism: Immersion in Water, Spirit, or Blood”
Honor
The Gospel writer Matthew twice feels the need to ascribe honor to Jesus related to his birth. Matthew first ascribes honor by assigning a royal blood line to Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus back to the warrior King David. Oddly enough, he traces that blood line through Joseph, a man Matthew himself believed was not Jesus’ … Continue reading “Honor”
Militarism’s Blood Sacrifice System
The opening verses of Sunday’s Gospel describe an ancient and assuredly gruesome practice; blood sacrifice. Blood sacrifice of animals, even humans, has been practiced across history and long considered holy. It was practiced by the people of ancient China and India, by the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and still more. Readers of the Old Testament … Continue reading “Militarism’s Blood Sacrifice System”
Lives That Matter
Announcing the arrival of a V.I.P. is its own event. I once watched a 14 car motorcade announce a U.S. President’s arrival to a theater. V.I.P. status is confirmed by temples of fame and fortune with their outside trappings of red carpets and media. It is confirmed by expensive gifts and plush surroundings. All of … Continue reading “Lives That Matter”
Interrogation
Rulers are interrogating John the Baptist. Why would members of the ruling class “from Jerusalem send priests and Levites to” interrogate a somewhat obscure man? Perhaps they are disturbed by his nonconformity. Nonconformity, no matter how seemingly small, could be reason enough for the rulers to interrogate him. John’s nonconformity is personal and social. He … Continue reading “Interrogation”
Might
What is the mightiness John the Baptist proclaims in this Sunday’s Gospel when he says: “One mightier than I is coming after me.” John himself is mighty; spiritually and morally. He’s able to withstand imprisonment and torture by the ruling class. They inflict these because of his criticism of them. What makes Jesus mightier? Jesus … Continue reading “Might”
Ferguson: Violence or Peace
Every Advent brings a switch in the particular Gospel to be read for the coming year; Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. This is a problem when the slated Gospel is Mark because Mark has no infancy narrative to raise our awareness of Jesus’ coming birth. Thus, Sunday’s Gospel is instead raising our awareness of Jesus’ … Continue reading “Ferguson: Violence or Peace”