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”
Category: Communion
How Aware Am I?
It’s been said there are three types of people in the world. The first type is people who make things happen. The second type is people who watch things happen. The third type is people who wonder, “What happened?” When Jesus identifies some people as goats in this Sunday’s Gospel, he might be explaining that … Continue reading “How Aware Am I?”
How Skilled Am I in Moral Conversations?
Jesus gives escalating verbal strategies for speaking up to harmful believers. First, he advises speaking the truth, “If your brother sins… tell him his fault.” Next, expand your courage, “If he does not listen, take others along (to) establish” facts. If he’s still unchanging, Jesus advises speaking up publicly, “Tell the church.” His final advice … Continue reading “How Skilled Am I in Moral Conversations?”
Identity Politics
Identity politics is as old as the Old Testament. Identity politics is defined as “a tendency for people of a particular religion, race, etc., to form exclusive political alliances.” The definition fits the chosen people of the Old Testament. They repeatedly formed exclusive political alliances; always around their status as chosen people of Yahweh. The … Continue reading “Identity Politics”
Wheat and Weeds
The Old Testament includes a well-known belief in a chosen people with a deity who intercedes for them. They are distinguished from other people who are not chosen and against whom that same deity inflicts punishment. Paul repeats the Old belief in Sunday’s second reading. Fortunately, Jesus gives us a wholly different Gospel message in … Continue reading “Wheat and Weeds”
Shockingly Alive
Communion, also called Eucharist, is a deeply meaningful experience for disciples. It is an experience of the Real Presence of Christ. The belief may be received by others as at least peculiar if not shocking. This Sunday’s Gospel according to John shows an early example of the shock when Jesus says to listeners, “I am … Continue reading “Shockingly Alive”
Orphaned Jesus
Jesus knows his suffering and death are approaching and he is saying good bye to disciples. He promises to return as an Advocating Spirit, “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.” The practice of reaching out to child orphans was one of the starkest counter-cultural practices of Jesus’ first followers. A … Continue reading “Orphaned Jesus”
The Journey to Now
Jesus, whose energy helped people feel alive, is dead. He has been murdered, under horrible circumstances, crucifixion. With that violence, the haters from both Rome and Jerusalem think they have destroyed any future challenges from Jesus’ disciples. Two such disciples are so dispirited they are leaving the gathering of community members behind. They are going … Continue reading “The Journey to Now”
Lilies of the Field
We have played among the wild flowers and laughed in delight. We have touched their softness and smiled at their allure. We feel the beauty of their pure being. “Which of you by worrying can add a moment to your lifespan?” “Consider the lilies of the field: They do not labor nor do they spin. … Continue reading “Lilies of the Field”
Well-Formed Conscience Well-Formed Law
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, has Jesus say, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt 5:17) The line is misinterpreted and isolated to contradict Jesus’ revolutionary life witness. In particular, the line contradicts … Continue reading “Well-Formed Conscience Well-Formed Law”