A man asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “You know the commandments.” The man replied, “Yes Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus looked at him and loved him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor … Continue reading “Needling the Rich”
Category: Communion
Peacemaking: A Companionable Art
“People brought to Jesus a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.” “He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the … Continue reading “Peacemaking: A Companionable Art”
Meritocracy
Jesus’ Gospel message continues to focus on communion, from which one of the founders of institutional christianity unfortunately diverges – Paul of Tarsus. Paul infamously states in today’s second reading, “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife.” “As the church is subordinate to … Continue reading “Meritocracy”
Wine and Wisdom
Wine and wisdom play roles in this Sunday’s readings. The Book of Proverbs writes that “Wisdom has built her house,… mixed her wine,… spread her table;… she says, Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding.” Paul encourages … Continue reading “Wine and Wisdom”
A Community of One Heart and One Mind
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” Early disciples put their lives in jeopardy to create a community of love and thoughtfulness. They were constantly targeted by divisive supporters of the Roman Empire intent … Continue reading “A Community of One Heart and One Mind”
Davos and Hollow Men
“Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unhealthy spirit… Jesus rebuked him and said, ‘Come out of him!’ The unhealthy spirit… came out of him. All were amazed … Continue reading “Davos and Hollow Men”
Common Sense
John the Baptist, who will not agree to Herod’s lies and speaks out against the wealthy ruler’s corruption, has “been arrested.” Jesus goes beyond John’s practices and starts gathering a new “Community.” It will help people to have greater common knowledge, especially about how rulers operate by lying about and corrupting common knowledge. Aristotle is … Continue reading “Common Sense”
Y’all Don’t Know What White Privilege Looks Like
A young Samuel in today’s Old Testament reading believes he is being called and responds, “Here I am.” Andrew in today’s Gospel believes he is being called and responds by following Jesus who lives in and keeps building a community. It is natural to consider our lives and our life’s calling in individual terms – … Continue reading “Y’all Don’t Know What White Privilege Looks Like”
The Future of the Family
Mary and Joseph “took Jesus up to Jerusalem.” “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.” “When the parents brought in the child Jesus,” Simeon “took him into his arms and blessed God.” “There was also a prophetess, Anna.” She too “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child.” “The child … Continue reading “The Future of the Family”
Mary and Her Children
Mary is recorded in the Gospel as the mother of Jesus. Is she the mother of other children? The Gospel according to Matthew records persons inquiring about Jesus and saying, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?” Are not his … Continue reading “Mary and Her Children”