Prayer is the loving communion we all share with God. Jesus embodied and shared that loving communion at the heart of prayer. He tells a parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector in this Sunday’s Gospel to exemplify his witness. Jesus tells the parable to explain the difference between his own witness of prayer … Continue reading “Bringing People to Prayer”
Category: Communion
Pesky Widows
Pesky widows are a power to be reckoned with. I know. I had a pesky widow for a mother. Jesus’ choice of a pesky widow with a legal concern in this Sunday’s parable extolling prayer is intriguing. It is a remarkable reversal of the Old Testament example of a pray-er who is extolled. The Old … Continue reading “Pesky Widows”
Gratitude
Gratitude is showing appreciation, for life in general or for a kindness done to us or a benefit received. A leper shows gratitude in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus comes upon 10 lepers and tells them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” It seems a fool’s errand. Priests do not receive unclean people but are responsible … Continue reading “Gratitude”
Foresight
Foresight is mental preparedness. It focuses disciples on the Community of God. Our foresight about the Community of God can be diverted by such things as wealth. In the Old Testament wealth tends to be seen from the point of view of those who have it. They believe it is a blessing from God. The … Continue reading “Foresight”
Wisdom
Wisdom is an important virtue. It is the ability to make good decisions and the willingness to carry out those decisions. A wise person determines what is most good and the best way to achieve it. Such a person tends to be caring and practical and is thus concerned about safety but they are not … Continue reading “Wisdom”
Humility
Jesus is encouraging humility in this Sunday’s Gospel. The word humility is derived from humus, meaning of the earth. It describes our way of being grounded, of being in touch with reality. Humility means we know who we are as children of one human family. We know this same truth of others. Humility, therefore, describes … Continue reading “Humility”
Gifts
The gifts of parents, our senses, water, food, and so many other basics are given to us before we are even born. They are available to us even before we are aware of our need for them. All are an indispensable part of our world and we sometimes assume their presence. We do not always … Continue reading “Gifts”
Tribalism
Tribalism, in-group conformity, is one element of the Old Testament. It describes the relationship pattern of the Hebrew people set against members of other tribes who usually displayed the same value. Tribalism influences us to segregate between people. We are taught to develop an affinity with and give care to members of our own tribe. … Continue reading “Tribalism”
Discipleship
Discipleship, which means to learn, in particular from Jesus, would have us relating in communion, being nonviolent loving persons, and expressing creative healing power. All three qualities were Jesus’ most consistent and significant witness. In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus is again giving witness to these ingredients and encouraging disciples to do their best to exhibit them. … Continue reading “Discipleship”