When the War Lords of the Old Testament invented a god, they made him in their image and likeness, to be feared and obeyed. Their deity is 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 each other … Continue reading “How Bold Are We?”
Category: Love
White 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 “White 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’ from … 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 reminds the men of two foreigners who helped Israelites in the past and were spared. His reminders don’t help, “When the people in the … Continue reading “Special Love”
Love: Special or Realistic
Sunday’s first reading from Isaiah expresses the special love “the Lord” has for Israel, “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 vindication seems outsized for the tiny nation, … Continue reading “Love: Special or Realistic”
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”
Why Are Soldiers Not Christ-like?
Jesus is noteworthy as a loving person, especially with people rulers outcast. More noteworthy is Jesus loving those outcasts in the very presence of those rulers. The rulers then actively oppress Jesus for doing so. Jesus’ love is thus a consistently courageous love. Jesus is so consistently courageous in his love that he even loves … Continue reading “Why Are Soldiers Not Christ-like?”