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…
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…
“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…
“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,…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
“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 conscience. They were constantly targeted by divisive supporters of the Roman Empire…