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?”
Category: Love
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”
Ask, Seek, Knock
Jesus lives in the middle of a culture whose militant rulers are persistent about their lack of care. Rulers do not care for sinners; for women, children, those who are poor, and others. If we add up the numbers of those harmed by that lack of care, will it add to the bravery and courage … Continue reading “Ask, Seek, Knock”
How Bold Are We?
When the War Lords of the Old Testament invented a god, they did so in their image, one to be feared and obeyed, as they were. Their deity was contrived as loving but is observably abusive. Those obedient to/abused by the War Lords and their invented deity were to love but only their rulers and … Continue reading “How Bold Are We?”
Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas
Jesus knows Judas is about to betray him to the rulers who will kill him. Jesus takes responsibility to reach out lovingly to Judas. He shares a communion meal with Judas. Jesus is honest and addresses Judas and his betrayal at the meal. Judas unfortunately goes through with the betrayal. However, we know Judas later … Continue reading “Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas”