Filled with Pentecostal Spirit, peacemakers start enlivening people stifled by the oppressive Roman Empire. They enliven people with Jesus’ “Community of God” – a way of communion, love, and creative healing power. They enliven it far and wide among diverse people but are persecuted for doing so. Gospel and non-Gospel accounts record the persecution. It … Continue reading “Do We All Want the Same Things?”
Category: Community-of-God
Are We Successful Peacemakers?
Sunday’s Gospel and reading from Acts describe Jesus’ Ascension. He is encouraging disciples for their new life in the Spirit. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my living witnesses.” Jesus’ living witness is the peaceful “Kingdom of God.” He is encouraging their success in continuing to … Continue reading “Are We Successful Peacemakers?”
A Beloved Community
Jesus’ Community of God is a revolutionary endeavor – to relate as equals, to be loving with one another, and to act as the creative healing power we are. Early disciples knew that for them to remain revolutionary amidst empire’s normal and opposite inequality, hatred, and violence they needed Community. Today’s second reading shows how … Continue reading “A Beloved Community”
Christian Revolution
Today’s first reading revolves around an Old Testament deity. He sends Jonah round and round the city of Nineveh announcing the bad news, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” The revolutions of old always turn round and round on dominators who make threats of death and destruction. Today’s Gospel reading revolves around Jesus … Continue reading “Christian Revolution”
Generous Farmers
Jesus tells a parable about the Community of God being a community of generosity. A farmer makes sure all farm workers benefit from a full day’s wage though not all work a full day’s hours. Not everyone likes the farmer’s generosity, “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to … Continue reading “Generous Farmers”
A Monumental Ideal
When an Old Testament ruler, “Shebna, master of the palace,” is stripped of his authority, his “keys” are transferred over to another. That transfer is important to this Sunday’s Gospel account of Simon Peter recognizing Jesus as Christ. Jesus, to distinguish the Old way from his New way, responds by giving “keys” to Simon but … Continue reading “A Monumental Ideal”
Faithless Christians
Jesus is caught in a storm at sea in today’s Gospel and tells disciples to have faith. Paul says he has faith in Jesus and writes his letters after Jesus establishes the Community of God for all people. However, in Paul’s writings there is a sinking feeling he doubts both Jesus and the Community of … Continue reading “Faithless Christians”
Whose Kingdom?
Is the Kingdom of God Jesus is describing and establishing here on earth a treasure; is it a pearl of great price, maybe a net, or perhaps a person caring for a home – and how is it so? It is all and more and each of Jesus’ metaphors is worthy of its own considerable … Continue reading “Whose Kingdom?”
Homemaking
In the Gospel Jesus is preparing disciples for his death. He tells them that, in part, his departure includes a benefit to them. He says, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” It should not be surprising, Jesus spent his life preparing a place for people here on earth. Jesus was a homemaker. … Continue reading “Homemaking”
Changing Through the Beatitudes
Jesus is changing the way we human beings can see the world and ourselves. He is overturning the hurtful values in which many of us are raised. He does so on a mountain side as he addresses a crowd. We learn we are blessed in ways we never realized. Blessed are we when poor in … Continue reading “Changing Through the Beatitudes”