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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…