Jesus was always passing on to others who he was and what he knew. It is true in the testimony of his Ascension relayed this Sunday. He was always passing on his welcoming and creative Presence so that people felt such Presence within them. He was always passing on what he knew of the Way … Continue reading “Passing On”
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Advocate
The God presented for worship in the Old Testament simply does not match Jesus’ revelation of Divinity in the Gospel. The difference is the difference between the religion of Militarism and the spirituality of Jesus. One assurance of our evolution beyond Militarism’s religion and toward Jesus’ spirituality is the difference between a warrior and an … Continue reading “Advocate”
Faith Works
The Gospel according to John emphasizes Jesus’ Divinity. Jesus’ Divinity is at the service of the physical world, especially healing its pain. The Gospel thus emphasizes all that is physical is being transformed. Everything that brings pain and suffering – our bodies, this world, Jesus’ death – all of it is being transformed. Do not … Continue reading “Faith Works”
Abundant Life
Jesus spent his life in nature. He consistently identified with nature. He used nature in his parables. He used it for metaphors when teaching people about life. Jesus is speaking about nature, sheep and shepherds specifically, and about life in general this Sunday when he says, “A thief comes only to … destroy; I came … Continue reading “Abundant Life”
Opening Ourselves to New Life
Are you the only person who does not know of the things going on in the U.S.? Are you the only one unaware of all that is taking place in these times? Christian priests and pastors are guilty of sex abuse. Christian leaders are building million dollar mansions for themselves. Christian lawmakers are refusing to … Continue reading “Opening Ourselves to New Life”
Seeing Christ
How did Thomas and the other disciples get along during this past week? Last week Jesus pulls quite the surprise by appearing to various disciples – except Thomas. Those who saw Jesus must have been experiencing a gamut of feelings; delight, stunned, perplexity, eager, awed, calm, … They shared all that they could of their … Continue reading “Seeing Christ”
Surprise
Not many people know Jesus kept a diary. Someone showed me an excerpt the other day. Friday: Tough day on the job, been wondering if I’m in the right line of work. Saturday: Feeling under the weather, stayed in. Sunday: Got out and visited with some friends today. They seemed surprised to see me. Surprised? … Continue reading “Surprise”
Doing Our Jobs
Jesus’ opponents were not all necessarily heinous people. It is quite likely that some scribes and Pharisees who constantly debated Him loved their wives and children. The chief priests who determined his need to die were possibly faithful in providing for the well-being of widows and orphans. Pontius Pilate who ordered His crucifixion probably had … Continue reading “Doing Our Jobs”
From Death Unto Life
The power described of Jesus of Nazareth in the Gospel is astounding. So astounding it seems unbelievable. It is astounding enough that Jesus heals people’s ailing bodies. How is it to be believed, as today’s Gospel relates, that Jesus brings people forth into life after they have died? Can it be believed from our own … Continue reading “From Death Unto Life”
Blindness
There are millions of people within institutional christianity who reject Jesus’ witness with the man born blind. Jesus taught and demonstrated with the blind man that external suffering or deprivation of any kind is not God’s will. Illness, poverty, disadvantage of any type is not from God. Suffering caused by blindness or any other negative … Continue reading “Blindness”