Rulers call out Jesus for being unjust, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” “So, to them, Jesus addressed this parable” of an unjust son who “squandered his inheritance.” Suffering the consequences, the Prodigal Son wisely returns home to a loving father. An older brother is angry about the father’s loving spirit. He wants … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Justice”
Category: Jesus-Movement
Feast on Spirituality Fast from Projection
Jesus listens as people ask him about the sin of murdered “Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with the blood of his sacrifices.” The people are coerced by rulers to believe those murdered were sinners who deserved their suffering and death. Jesus rejects it all, “Do you think… the Galileans suffered (because) they were greater sinners?” … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Projection”
Feast on Spirituality Fast from Possession
Abram believes a deity has given him “land as a possession.” Paul believes his deity does not desire “minds occupied with earthly things,” rather, our “citizenship is in heaven.” After witnessing Jesus’ glowing Transfiguration, Peter desires possession of both, land on earth for shrines to heaven, “let us make three tents, one for you, one … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Possession”
Feast on Spirituality Fast from Religion
The warrior Moses is a member of the religion of Militarism. Militarism lauds warriors and the warrior deity they invent, Yahweh. Yahweh, for his Chosen People, inflicts godly suffering on enemies, and kills them. For example, ordering the sufferings of the Plagues, and killing the enemy’s first born children in the 10th Plague. Militarists receive … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Religion”
Walking Away From War
The Old Testament writes that through the warrior Jacob, the War Lord Yahweh, “has delivered his people,” who will exalt at the head of nations.” “I guide them; I will lead” them and the people will walk in his way. The New Testament reading says “every high priest” offers blood “sacrifices for sins.” He “must … Continue reading “Walking Away From War”
Care-full and Play-full
The Pharisees do not so much care about people as they care about people obeying their laws. Jesus demonstrates care and cares that the Pharisees do not care. Jesus speaks about their lack of care to their face, “the hardness of your hearts.” Jesus then notices a hardness of hearts in his disciples, “People were … Continue reading “Care-full and Play-full”
Capitalism, Socialism, Communism
James is a poor disciple of a poor man, Jesus, who partnered with people to co-create the one “Community of God.” He cautions listeners about how the rich are divisive in the kingdom of Caesar, “Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries… Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who … Continue reading “Capitalism, Socialism, Communism”
Torture for Sport
Mary “traveled to the hill country… and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out” “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Mary’s response shows the radical nature of such joyful union, “God has cast … Continue reading “Torture for Sport”
Resilience for Life
“A large crowd followed Jesus, because they saw the healings he was performing on the sick.” When he “saw the large crowd coming to him, he said to Philip, ‘Where can we get enough food for them to eat?’” “Philip answered him, Two hundred days wages worth of food would not be enough for each … Continue reading “Resilience for Life”
Mission for All Time
Disciples had been sent on a healing mission by Jesus. After returning they “told him all they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.’ But people were coming in great numbers.” When he “saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with compassion … Continue reading “Mission for All Time”