Jesus tells rulers a parable about the Kingdom of God on earth by describing a farmer who plants a vineyard. He leases its care to tenant farmers who reveal themselves as both greedy and murderous, “This is (the farmer’s) heir. Come let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.” The tenant farmers represent the…
Jesus contrasts his Way with the way of rulers, specifically on the nature of leadership. He tells disciples to be “alert,” “prepared,’ and especially, to be “in charge.” Jesus’ leadership is therefore a contrast to rulers who condition underlings to be subordinate. Leadership is presented as a paramount value in U.S. culture. Studies show…
Filled with Pentecostal Spirit, peacemakers start enlivening people stifled by the oppressive Roman Empire. The enlivening is Jesus’ “Community of God” – a Way of communion, love, and creative healing power. They enliven it far and wide among diverse people. They are persecuted for doing so. Gospel and non-Gospel accounts record the persecution. It…
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…
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 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…
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…
Jesus is caught in a storm at sea in today’s Gospel and tells disciples to have faith. Years later, Paul says he has faith in Jesus and writes letters after Jesus has already established the Community of God for all people. However, in Paul’s writings there is a sinking feeling he doubts both Jesus…
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…