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Speaking Truth to Privilege

Jesus’ parables, in addition to being enjoyable and thought provoking, are a means to speak truth to privilege. This Sunday’s parable is one example. It is a long parable that tells a story about invited guests who reject a meal and kill servant messengers. It is basically an account of the destructive history of the … Continue reading “Speaking Truth to Privilege”

Gift of Creation

Jesus tells a parable this Sunday about the Community of God. He describes it metaphorically as a vineyard. The vines and their fruit, like all of creation, are given to us as a gift. If we receive the earth’s many gifts and care for them, the earth will continue to be a source of nourishment. … Continue reading “Gift of Creation”

Easy Choices

Jesus’ parable this Sunday seems to present most modern readers with an easy choice. Is it better to say “No” to a father’s public request but then do as he asked? Or is it better to say “Yes” but then not actually fulfill the request. Modern readers would likely say doing what was asked is … Continue reading “Easy Choices”

People Getting What They Deserve

Someone getting what they deserve has an ominous tone to it. While it could indicate someone being rewarded, the sound of it feels more like someone is suffering as payback. People getting what they deserve signifies an exacting judgment. Jesus’ parable this Sunday is about a landowner who does not make exacting judgments. He gives … Continue reading “People Getting What They Deserve”

Exaltation of Weapons

Some distortions are so bizarre it is difficult to understand their existence. This Sunday’s feast day of the Exaltation of the Cross is one such bizarre distortion. Would Christians consider celebrating a feast day named The Extolling of the Electric Chair or The Acclaim of the AK 47? Would Christians wear one of those instruments … Continue reading “Exaltation of Weapons”

Reaching Out in Truth

What are the responsibilities of an Old Testament prophet? Overall it was to call people to convert back to Yahweh. Old Testament prophets could fulfill their responsibilities by lording sinner’s guilt over them. They could threaten doom until offenders repented. Jesus’ witness was not centered on guilt or doom or harm of any type. Jesus … Continue reading “Reaching Out in Truth”

Names

The name Satan conjures up monstrous images; such as a maleficent horned creature robed in red. If rendered human, still the images are monstrous, conjuring up evil people. The word evil, however, was originally defined as an adversary. It could mean one was in league with the devil but that name too lacks the monstrous … Continue reading “Names”

Models of Authority

One model of authority is to rule over people. It is the military model of domination. A rather clear sign of such authority is the threat of or use of a weapon. The weapon might be a fist or a gun. It could be a knife or a tongue sharpened like one. Whatever its shape, … Continue reading “Models of Authority”

Play

Jesus is more playful than we might think. We see his playfulness in his many parables. He told his parables for serious and enjoyable reflection, not to teach dogma. Dogma is not playful. Jesus’ stories and the metaphors within them enable us to play with them. He offered characters and events to help us enjoy … Continue reading “Play”