Advent means arrival and specifically harkens the arrival of the Christ child, Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospel readings throughout Advent always expand the meaning of Jesus’ arrival. For example, the Advent readings include Jesus’ arrival into public ministry. John the Baptist’s experience is thus emphasized. The readings also include messages mistakenly interpreted as Jesus’ arrival … Continue reading “Arrival of a Pregnancy”
Category: Creative Healing Power
In the Light of Wise Women
Jesus tells a parable about foolish women and wise women in the context of a wedding. The women are waiting in the approaching darkness for the coming of the bridal party. Some have brought no oil for their lamps, others have. The foolish women are not prepared for that which lies ahead and remain in … Continue reading “In the Light of Wise Women”
Painting a Life
Jesus paints a picture with words about a sower and seeds thrown to a blustering breeze. We see the seeds carried first by a hand and then by a wind and watch them as they fall to the earth that receives them. More than seeing a farmer, a kernel, and a field, we ourselves become … Continue reading “Painting a Life”
Paradox: A Skeptic’s Belief
An incredible event is relayed in this Sunday’s Gospel. For some, incredible means ‘miraculous’ but for others it means ‘not credible, unbelievable.’ Jesus, last seen broken and expiring on the cross, appears alive to disciples. They receive it as miraculous. Jesus “stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” … he … Continue reading “Paradox: A Skeptic’s Belief”
Shamans Keep Rising
Jesus’ Gospel witness from Holy Thursday through Good Friday to Easter Sunday is quintessentially transforming. Knowing of his impending murder, he shares a final life-giving meal with community members on Thursday. That same evening, Militarism’s priests of theology arrest him, put him on trial, convict him of crimes, and sentence him to death. The next … Continue reading “Shamans Keep Rising”
Coming Forth From Our Sepulchers
Lazarus is dead. His sisters, Martha and Mary are heartsick that he has been taken from them. He has been put in his tomb, a cave with a stone rolled over the entrance. He has been there for four days. He will be in his tomb for an eternity of days as his energy for … Continue reading “Coming Forth From Our Sepulchers”
Infectious Diseases
Leprosy is an infectious disease. It physically disfigures and disables a person. In biblical times lepers were ordered by priests to be cast out of society. In today’s Gospel a leper violates that priestly order by approaching Jesus. Jesus violates it too by caring for the man; he touches him and heals him. When Jesus … Continue reading “Infectious Diseases”
Spectrum of Learning: Power
A baby’s birth is celebrated today, one whose “life was the light of the human race; the light that shines in the darkness.” The darkness was and is a world of division, in which suffering is justified, and violence assumed as salvific. The light is that of Christ, a light shown as communion transcending division, … Continue reading “Spectrum of Learning: Power”
Spectrum of Learning: Awake
Jesus is encouraging those who want to learn from him to stay awake to a coming meaningful event. It is the coming of the Son of Man. It is a highly misunderstood and misinterpreted event. The coming of the Son of Man refers to Resurrection. Like Jesus’ coming at birth, the soon to be celebrated … Continue reading “Spectrum of Learning: Awake”
To Conspire
The setting is Golgotha. It is the place of skulls. Jesus is breathing his last. He is hanging on a cross. On either side is a criminal. They too, are gasping for breath. One criminal speaks to Jesus. His words reveal knowledge. He knows Jesus in this life. He hopes to know Jesus in the … Continue reading “To Conspire”