The Fourth Sunday of Easter is designated as Good Shepherd Sunday. Its Gospel reading is drawn from Jesus’ teaching on the subject. Most commentaries on the subject assert good shepherds lead from the front. Others consider the possibly they lead from behind. Perhaps we might also consider that a good shepherd leads from among. A … Continue reading “Leading Sheep”
Category: Communion
Seeing the Light
This Sunday’s readings concern a lack of awareness or lessened consciousness which then shifts. In Genesis, some people are initially described as overtaken by dark clouds until a fire is lit and they can then see more clearly. In Philippians, some people are described as dulled by earthly concerns until they discern the glory of … Continue reading “Seeing the Light”
Are We Friends With the Deep?
Jesus ventures into deep waters in this Sunday’s Gospel and wants us to come along. He begins on the shoreline teaching a variety of people who have come to listen to him. They keep pressing in so that he eventually gets into Peter’s boat off shore and teaches from slightly greater depth. He ventures still … Continue reading “Are We Friends With the Deep?”
What is a Widow’s Might?
Jesus contrasts scribes with widows in this Sunday’s Gospel. It is a contrast between legal scholars who are socially honored and legal slaves who are socially dishonored. Jesus is not necessarily praising the widow’s almsgiving but he is certainly lamenting the payment scribes coerce out of her. The widow’s mite or penny is a payment … Continue reading “What is a Widow’s Might?”
What Is the Power of Our Sainthood?
Jesus’ Blessings, or Beatitudes, often go unnoticed as expressions of power (influence with). Power is contrasted with control (rule over). Jesus’ Beatitudes flow with power to release us from control. Control is the wealthy segregating themselves. Power is Jesus witnessing interdependence, “Blessed are the poor.” Control is dominating others. Power is Jesus witnessing humility: “Blessed … Continue reading “What Is the Power of Our Sainthood?”
Conscience Questions the Bible and the Constitution
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus asks a question: “Who do people say that I am?” He is directing listeners outward toward other’s opinions. Those opinions reflect external social and religious norms. Then Jesus rephrases the question for Peter: “Who do you say that I am?’ Jesus is directing his friend inward toward conscience which questions … Continue reading “Conscience Questions the Bible and the Constitution”
Having Life Within and Between
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus continually challenges people to have life within them. He speaks of Divinity as that source of life within all. For Jesus, all creation embodies life-giving Divinity. So it is that the bread and wine Jesus offers have Divine life within them. So too do each of us. Today’s Gospel message … Continue reading “Having Life Within and Between”
Heroes
Jesus becomes aware thousands of people have followed him up a hillside. He becomes concerned about their physical well-being. A little boy who has food is also concerned and willingly shares the little food he has, first by bringing it to Jesus. Jesus then shares the few loaves and fishes with everyone else. A miracle … Continue reading “Heroes”
Crumbs
If you’re ever looking for Jesus just follow the crumbs. Throughout his life he was always sharing meals with people. He dined with Pharisees, tax collectors, and prostitutes as well as the various men, women, and children of the villages he visited on his journeys. After his Resurrection, as this Sunday’s Gospel relates, Jesus shares … Continue reading “Crumbs”
The Meaning of Persuasion
Persuasion, causing someone to believe or do something, flows through this Sunday’s Gospel. John the Baptist persuades two of his disciples, one of whom is Andrew, to inquire after Jesus. Jesus, understands both men are seeking something deeper, a life of meaning. Jesus persuades them to come to where he is staying and learn from … Continue reading “The Meaning of Persuasion”