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”
Category: Love
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”
Grieving
Jesus’ suffering and death is detailed in this final week of Lent. It is excruciating and it is intentionally inflicted. The pain of it all is expressed by Jesus throughout; the agony in the garden, his betrayal by Judas, being arrested, being tortured, being murdered. It is excruciating for his loved ones who witness the … Continue reading “Grieving”
Land
Love for the land is apparent in this Sunday’s readings. Moses believes the land on which he stands “is holy ground.” He believes he and his people will be led “into a good and spacious land,” a land that is fertile, fruitful. In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about land. It has an orchard … Continue reading “Land”
Courage of Christ, Cowardice of Soldiers
Jesus’ Golden Rule from today’s Gospel, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” is compared with Buddhism’s “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find harmful.” It is also compared with Judaism’s “What is hateful to you do not do to your fellow man.” There is another ‘rule’ of … Continue reading “Courage of Christ, Cowardice of Soldiers”
Blessings
A man with lipstick on his collar who smelled of gin stumbled into a mostly empty church and sat next to a priest who was saying prayers in the front row. He took out a newspaper and began reading. “Shay, Father, what caushes arthritish?” The priest, none too happy with his pew partner said, “Mister, … Continue reading “Blessings”
Special Love
While at Synagogue, Jesus reveals a God whose love is for all people. His revelation angers the men there who believe they are the special love of a special god. Jesus then reminds them of a couple of instances when their own rather selectively loving deity managed to expand his special love. He recalls stories … Continue reading “Special Love”
Love and Its Size
Sunday’s first reading from Isaiah expresses the special love “the Lord” has for Israel. The love is compared to a marriage, “as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.” “The Lord” promises vindication for his special love, “No more shall people call you “Forsaken, or your land “Desolate.” The … Continue reading “Love and Its Size”
Survival of the Compassionate
Bartimaeus cannot see. He cannot see the beauty of the sunrise nor its setting. He cannot see that the flowers are a light lilac and the olives a deep green. He cannot see the faces of his loved ones. He can bask in the warmth of the sun. He can smell the flowers and taste … Continue reading “Survival of the Compassionate”