When Jesus was passing through Jericho, “he looked up” and saw Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had “climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.” Zacchaeus had to change his point of view in order to see Jesus, to encounter him. He could not do so from his original point of view, it rendered him short-sighted. His short-sighted point … Continue reading “The Point of Our View”
Category: Jesus-Movement
Creating a Faithful Climate
While addressing the importance of persisting in faith, Jesus tells the story of a widow. She has strong faith in her position against an “adversary” in a corrupt system harming her. The judge deciding her case is corrupt, reflecting the corrupt system. Even so, she is unrelenting in petitioning the judge for fairness, “Render a … Continue reading “Creating a Faithful Climate”
Free and Fulfilled
“Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly.” They were just returning home after a long captivity. Ezra stood “on a wooden platform” “higher up than any of the people.” The people “bowed down and prostrated themselves …(and) Ezra read plainly from the Book of the Law of God.” Centuries later Jesus stands before … Continue reading “Free and Fulfilled”
How Relevant is Jesus Christ to Christians?
Sunday’s first reading and Gospel are easily compared and contrasted. The first reading is from Numbers titled so because it numbers the men “fit for military service.” The men are unruly and as Moses has killed unruly people before he may again. This time Moses accepts that he needs more commanders for all the unruly … Continue reading “How Relevant is Jesus Christ to Christians?”
Great and Small
Jesus is travelling throughout small villages of ancient Palestine. He is an intimate man, touching people’s lives. People begin following him. In Sunday’s Gospel it is recorded that more than 5,000 people have been with him all day. He is concerned with the ever so intimate need of getting “food for them to eat.” It … Continue reading “Great and Small”
Faith or Fear
Jesus encounters fear in two persons he meets along his journey. One is a woman who fears being detected in public. She is stricken with a persistent flow of blood and to be in public is to be threatened with harm. The woman faces her fear. She risks a dangerous move. In a crowd, she … Continue reading “Faith or Fear”
The Challenge to Change Society
The Old Testament reading from Isaiah concerns the people’s infidelity. There is a question as to whether or not they can change and be faithful, especially in times of trial? One voice affirms that ability, “I have not rebelled, I have not turned back.” Personal encouragement to change in order to be faithful, especially in … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Society”
Convulsing an Adversary
Jesus starts his public ministry by reaching out to people and teaching them. They are impressed, to say the least, “The people are astonished at Jesus’ teaching, for he teaches them as one having authority and not as their rulers.” Jesus also begins reaching out to people and healing them. In one encounter a man … Continue reading “Convulsing an Adversary”
Are We People For All Time?
In Jesus’ time honor to parents, fathers specifically, was so highly valued male rulers sanctified it as a holy Commandment. In today’s Gospel Jesus tells a parable that shocks his listeners, “chief priests and elders.” These rulers are hypocritical keepers of that Commandment system of honor. Thus the rulers extol a son who publicly honors … Continue reading “Are We People For All Time?”
Delusions
Worldly rulers are delusional about Jesus. They believe they need to protect themselves from him; a man who unifies, loves, and heals. Jesus understands their delusion and its violent intent. He tells disciples, “I will suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed.” Peter’s response shows he is delusional … Continue reading “Delusions”