Rulers judge Jesus is a problem and they target problem people with hostility. Jesus focuses on people as friends and is loving. It is therefore not Jesus nor his disciples who are the problem but rulers and their supporters. Thus, the encounter in today’s Gospel when a ruler, “a scholar of the law, tested” the … Continue reading “Being Afraid to Love is the Problem”
Category: Love
Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times
Peter is pondering a limit or cap on the number of times he needs to forgive someone. He says to Jesus, “If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus famously responds, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Who of us have forgiven … Continue reading “Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times”
Cancel Culture
“You are appointed watchman,” says the Lord in Ezekiel. “When you hear me say anything, you shall warn the wicked for me.” If “you do not… the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” Jesus never appoints watchmen for the wicked liable for their deaths. Instead, Jesus … Continue reading “Cancel Culture”
What To Do With U.S. and Biblical Slave Owners?
Following Jesus late into the evening are crowds of people who are hungry. Disciples advise they be dismissed to “go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus says, “(G)ive them some food yourselves.” “Five loaves and two fishes are all we have.” “Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking … Continue reading “What To Do With U.S. and Biblical Slave Owners?”
Plan for Bold Love
Ancient War Lords always had a master plan. To sanctify their master plan, they invented mirror image Master War Lords, like Yahweh. So it is that Yahweh is described in today’s Old Testament reading as a “master of might” whose plan is for “mastery over all things.” Jesus has no “master” plan for “mastery.” His … Continue reading “Plan for Bold Love”
A Revolution of Love
Jesus is a loving man. He opens his heart, indeed his whole life to a variety of people who reflect a variety of personalities. Which is not to say his encounters are always pleasant. He is targeted by antagonistic, angry, and even vengeful personalities – always they are dominant rulers or those who desire the … Continue reading “A Revolution of Love”
Friends and Enemies
Jesus was targeted as an enemy by rulers and executed. His friends are shocked and depressed by his murder. They are not, however, angry vowing payback nor riled up plotting revenge. Nothing in the behavior of disciples shows a targeting of enemies. Their friend Jesus then returns in the Resurrection. They enjoy 40 more days … Continue reading “Friends and Enemies”
Lovers Gonna Love
Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” From whom have we heard it said, “hate your enemy?” It is from the cult of Militarism. Militarism trains its soldiers to hate enemies. Haters gonna hate. Be it soldiers of nationalism or white … Continue reading “Lovers Gonna Love”
Is Love A Folly?
Jesus has encounters with people “who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” In today’s Gospel he tells of a Pharisee who is praying near a humble tax collector, despised by others, who “stood off at a distance … and prayed” for “mercy.” The Pharisee’s prayer is, “O God, I thank you … Continue reading “Is Love A Folly?”
The Capacity for God
“An attentive ear is the joy of the wise,” so writes Sirach. Wisely listening to the wisdom of another requires we “conduct our affairs with humility.” Jesus wisely gives an attentive ear to others and therefore conducts his affairs with humility. In the Gospel, “Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the … Continue reading “The Capacity for God”