The Graveyard Shift

This Sunday’s readings are each marked by grave diggers. In the Old Testament, the Maccabees family is having their grave dug by foreign rulers. The rulers reject their way of life and will kill them for it; “seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king.” In Paul’s … Continue reading “The Graveyard Shift”

Healing Touch

In this Sunday’s Gospel we meet ten human beings who have no place in the family of life; they are out of touch, physically. They are kept separate from their human family; isolated, lonely. They bear a skin disease and are judged sinners. Their bodies bear marks that have them in despair over ever being … Continue reading “Healing Touch”

Human Agency

Jesus’ Gospel message this Sunday concerns human agency. Human agency is the power to act. It is the power to do so wisely and conscientiously, in any given environment. Jesus tells short parables to explain agency. He explains the need to separate from the patriarchal family, to have planned foresight, and to be ready to … Continue reading “Human Agency”

Life after Death

Jesus’ heart is moved with compassion when he encounters a widow whose only son has just died. It is usually the case that people plead with Jesus, especially for healing. In this case, it is not words but the mother’s tears that form her plea and Jesus responds. He is touched by her grief, moved … Continue reading “Life after Death”

We Had to Rise

The Gospel according to John has a curious comment on the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’ Resurrection: “They did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” – Had to – We’ve all known our had to moments in life; I had to get the job, he had to come home … Continue reading “We Had to Rise”

Remember the Trees We Hugged?

Jesus and several others are talking about recent disasters. One disaster concerns the murderous ruler Pilate. He has the habit of practicing Militarism’s blood sacrifice rituals. His habit elicits a parable from Jesus about a murderous landowner who wants to kill a tree but is prevented from doing so by a gentle farmer. The bloodthirsty … Continue reading “Remember the Trees We Hugged?”

Lent Springs Eternal

The common understanding of Lent is a 40 day experience of giving something up. We exercise our willpower over temptation to deprive ourselves of something we like and see how we fare. While the practice may have its benefits, Lent is about so much more. Lent’s fulness is hindered by the title and misinterpretation given … Continue reading “Lent Springs Eternal”

Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?

Two life-giving women, Mary and Elizabeth, come together in this Sunday’s Gospel. They are cradling within and between themselves the power of life. They respond to each other from that power: “At the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” For Christmas to be a … Continue reading “Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?”

Are We Domesticated or Wild?

This Sunday’s Gospel opens by identifying the terrorist leaders of the Roman Empire. The Empire is topped by Caesar who controls two trained  underlings in Palestine, Pilate and Herod. The Roman Empire, like all empires, including the U.S. Empire, terrorizes common people. Those terrorized include common people of the ruler’s own land, as well as … Continue reading “Are We Domesticated or Wild?”

How Can We Change the Climate This Christmas Season?

The Advent/Christmas season begins with the Gospel forecasting an apocalyptic event. It uses symbolic language to convey its seriousness: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay.” Jesus describes a climate of distress apparent socially and personally (he’s facing his own suffering and … Continue reading “How Can We Change the Climate This Christmas Season?”