Dear Spirit, lead us like you led Jesus into and through the desert. A great mission awaits to transform the world. We will need to be strong to endure. We will need to be one of many leaders able to deal with obstacles; obstacles of institutions, laws, controlled finances and resources. We will need to … Continue reading “Dear Spirit, Lead Us”
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How Splinters and Beams Burn
Jesus asks his listeners, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite!” … Continue reading “How Splinters and Beams Burn”
Love in a Time of Hate
Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies.” Jesus calls anyone and everyone to join him in the Way of Love. It is an easy way when we are among family and friends. Thus, as Jesus says, “if you love those who love you, what credit is that to … Continue reading “Love in a Time of Hate”
Lords and Their Welfare
The Old Testament routinely describes riches or “blessings for those who trust in the Lord,” and poverty, “curses for those who trust in human beings.” In the Gospel, Jesus too assures blessings and not curses but woes, yet in precisely the reverse manner, ‘Blessed is the one who is poor, hungry, weeping, insulted.’ ‘Woe to … Continue reading “Lords and Their Welfare”
Do Not Be Afraid
Jesus calls fishermen to follow him on his Way, “’Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Jesus is gathering commoners to co-create the Community of God. It will be the transforming witness to the military culture … Continue reading “Do Not Be Afraid”
Being Groomed
Millions of people will hear this Sunday’s readings in which violence will be presented to us as normal, even as Godly. We are to “offer due sacrifice to the Lord,” meaning to kill a living being, because it is presented as “pleasing to the Lord.” Sacrifice is presented as Godly “to expiate the sins of … Continue reading “Being Groomed”
Speaking Out
In the first reading this Sunday, Ezra is reading to the people from “the book of the law of God.” He is speaking out in support of their ruler, Nehemiah. He is instructing the people to support Nehemiah. Nehemiah is a nationalist who is dividing the people from neighbors. He is rebuilding a wall around … Continue reading “Speaking Out”
Making This Our Hour
“When the wine (at the Cana wedding) ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus told them, “Fill the jars … Continue reading “Making This Our Hour”
Expectation to Be Peacemakers
Isaiah in the Old Testament writes of the War Lord Yahweh saying, “Here is my servant whom I uphold.” Through this servant, there is the expectation of a coming triumph against enemies, “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory… and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty. “Luke in the Gospel writes, … Continue reading “Expectation to Be Peacemakers”
Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way
“When Jesus was born” “in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east” inquired, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled.” “Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained … Continue reading “Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way”