Jesus is telling people to “beware of the scribes.” They like to “accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” He also says they like to “devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers.” Jesus knows scribes exploit those who are vulnerable, for … Continue reading “Both Sides? Nope”
Category: Communion
The Power of a Partner
Pharisees ask Jesus a seemingly simple question about divorce, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” Jesus, as always, shifts the unspoken premise away from patriarchy. Patriarchy is devised by and for men; their rights and control – for example over property, which includes a wife. Jesus shifts the premise toward the … Continue reading “The Power of a Partner”
Living Global, Eating Local
Jesus is revealing to the people the essence of Mystery, a God who is alive, evolving, becoming. Jesus uses living metaphors to imagine the essential vitality of Divinity. For example, Jesus speaks of bread, also of drink and of shared meals. The deep meaningfulness of living, of being and feeling alive nourished by a vital … Continue reading “Living Global, Eating Local”
Which God Is Not Dead?
Jesus has recently fed over 5,000 people with a few loaves of bread. Using bread as a metaphor, he speaks with them about God. He recalls the old desert story of ancient ancestors who believed God gave them “bread from heaven.” Jesus reminds his listeners those ancestors died. Jesus then applies the Divine metaphor of … Continue reading “Which God Is Not Dead?”
Food Insecurity
People are concerned about being fed in this Sunday’s readings. The people of the Old Testament have risked escape from slavery in Egypt but fear they will not be fed as they journey through the desert. In the Gospel, thousands have been fed by Jesus. Still hungry, they risk pursuing him further. Jesus understands their … Continue reading “Food Insecurity”
The Challenge to Change Our Politics
Is politics a joke? “Mommy, I wanna grow up and become a politician. Well honey, which is it? You can’t do both.” Politics is the rule of the master class. Sunday’s Old Testament reading shows Jeremiah concerned with politics within the narrow confines of nationalism, his chosen people, the Hebrews, and their ruling deity, Yahweh. … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Our Politics”
Called To Come and See
Disciples of John the Baptist, curious about Jesus, call out to him as he passes. Jesus calls out to them in response, “Come and see” – Come and see where I am staying and with whom. We learn Jesus stays with those who are rejected; laborers, tax collectors, prostitutes. We see Jesus among marginalized individuals … Continue reading “Called To Come and See”
Holy Families
The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated with a Gospel message of unity. Mary and Joseph together with their newborn babe have journeyed to the Temple. They have come to give thanks for their child, Jesus. It is one of the few Gospel descriptions with all three together in one story. There, they are … Continue reading “Holy Families”
Arriving to Hail Mother, Full of Grace
In every month, the angel Gabriel is sent from God and arrives at a town called Nazareth, Salem, Ankara, Mumbai to a woman named Mary, Katherine, Zehra, Chunhua. And coming to her, the angel says, “Hail, favored one! God is with you.” But she is troubled at what is said and ponders what sort of … Continue reading “Arriving to Hail Mother, Full of Grace”
Arriving at Communion with a Stranger
It is again the case that an Advent reading preparing us for Jesus’ birth arrival is concerned about another arrival and thus John the Baptist is again emphasized rather than Mary. The Gospel reading finds John the Baptist in conversation with strangers. They seek answers as to who John is and why he witnesses to … Continue reading “Arriving at Communion with a Stranger”