Tribalism, in-group conformity, is one element of the Old Testament. It describes the relationship pattern of the Hebrew people set against members of other tribes who usually displayed the same value. Tribalism influences us to segregate between people. We are taught to develop an affinity with and give care to members of our own tribe. … Continue reading “Tribalism”
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Mission
Jesus missions disciples for something entirely new. He sends them out to the villages and towns to tell the people, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus has been giving witness to the Kingdom’s counter-cultural qualities. Now, he is sending disciples out, in pairs, to also give such witness. In this Sunday’s Gospel three … Continue reading “Mission”
Independence From Violence
Independence from violence is the life witness of people following peacemakers like Jesus. In this Sunday’s Gospel, James and John are not yet living such an independence. They are traveling among Samaritans who have rejected Jesus. James and John want to “rain down fire” upon the Samaritans. Jesus rebukes both saying, “You don’t know of … Continue reading “Independence From Violence”
Who Am I?
Identity is behind a question Jesus poses to disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel, “Who do you say that I am?” At issue is whether Jesus is divine or human. Divinity can suggests a celestial being worthy of worship with priests conducting that worship. Jesus was human and very much of this earth. Yet Jesus evoked … Continue reading “Who Am I?”
Sin and Forgiveness
The Pharisee in Sunday’s Gospel shows no signs of love nor forgiveness but instead signs of being judgmental and unforgiving. He is judging a woman who bathes Jesus’ feet with her tears as being a sinner. She is undeserving of forgiveness. The Pharisee does not judge himself a sinner. He judges himself as saved and … Continue reading “Sin and Forgiveness”
Healing Power
The Gospels record healing as a life-giving power Jesus shared with people. Among the people with whom he shared his healing power was a young man, the only son of a widow from Nain. As this Sunday’s Gospel relates, the young man had died. Additional Gospel stories of people who died and were healed were … Continue reading “Healing Power”
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is an ancient religious ritual. It is practiced by the religion of Militarism. Throughout history, Militarists have practiced blood sacrifice on animals but also on human subjects. War is the most common example of the ritual. Jesus never practiced sacrifice rituals. He never shed the blood of any human being. He certainly never taught … Continue reading “Sacrifice”
Memorializing Truth Tellers
A loving Spirit can guide us throughout our lives. Such a Spirit can especially guide us as peacemakers through conflict. Dirk Willems was guided by such a Spirit, as was Ben Salmon, Medgar Evers, Maura Clark, Jean Donavan, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kozel. Like Jesus, these disciples gave witness to the Spirit of truth. They … Continue reading “Memorializing Truth Tellers”
Vital Spirit
The Spirit of God was experienced by disciples as a vital energy. It was as the breath of Christ and came in the physical expressions of a strong wind and tongues of fire. The presence of God in Christ was both contained in physical form, and yet, free flowing as from breath, wind, and fire. … Continue reading “Vital Spirit”
Joy
Joy was pouring forth from the disciples after Jesus’ Ascension. The disciples had known joy from the beginning of their time with Jesus. They enjoyed an intimate companion in Jesus. They enjoyed a deepening character within themselves. They enjoyed a continually expanding circle of friends. Included among their friends were persons who had been sick … Continue reading “Joy”