The Old Testament reading describes the establishment of holy rule, “All the elders of Israel” stood “before the Lord” to “anoint David King.” The king’s rule consists of taking command of the army and its soldiers, torturing enemies, and killing people. It is what king Pilate does in the Gospel, specifically targeting Jesus. Thus, as … Continue reading “Freedom From Kings”
Category: Communion
Holy Space
Today’s readings emphasize temples. The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel, who repeatedly calls the people sinners, emphasizes that the “Lord God’s” “temple” is a holy space. In the Gospel, Jesus disrupts the activities of the “temple” and, given its rulers’ activities in it, challenges belief about holy space. Religion asserts a belief in humanity’s imperfections or … Continue reading “Holy Space”
How is Tyranny Possible in the U.S.?
Jesus tells a parable about a “judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being.” Jesus’ listeners know the truth about judges, men of status. Judges can act as tyrants, as this one does, specifically acting as a tyrant against a “widow.” Jesus’ listeners also know the truth about widows, … Continue reading “How is Tyranny Possible in the U.S.?”
We Shall Not Be Foreigners in Our Own Land
Today’s readings tell the stories of foreigners. Periodically in the Old Testament, a foreigner is singled out, often for converting to the worship of Israel’s Lord God. Today it is the Syrian Naaman, who Elisha heals of leprosy, “I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.” In … Continue reading “We Shall Not Be Foreigners in Our Own Land”
Shutting Down Capitalism
Jesus tells a parable to capitalists about the consequences of their wealth; “a rich man dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,” whom every day the rich man walked past. Jesus goes on, “When the poor … Continue reading “Shutting Down Capitalism”
Being Powerful Amidst Tyranny
Today’s New Testament reading from Timothy begins with the author, either Paul of Tarsus or one of his followers, asking “that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.” The life witness Paul promotes for disciples differs from … Continue reading “Being Powerful Amidst Tyranny”
MAGA is Making Eugenics Great Again
“Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the great Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to” them about “how they were choosing the places of greatness at the table.” He concluded his parable describing their dehumanizing supremacy by sharing wisdom about communion, “He said to … Continue reading “MAGA is Making Eugenics Great Again”
Human Rights
“King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword and… proceeded to arrest Peter also.” “He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.” Kings, Prime Ministers, Presidents, all … Continue reading “Human Rights”
The Dreams and Prayers of Mothers
Jesus said: ‘My children hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.’ “Children, I come back today To tell you a story of the long dark way That I had to climb, that I had to know In order that the race might … Continue reading “The Dreams and Prayers of Mothers”
Needling the Rich
A rich man is shocked when Jesus tells him that to inherit eternal life he must “‘Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ His face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” Jesus “’aid to his disciples, … Continue reading “Needling the Rich”