An old joke about lawyers shows how legal complexities can render us unaware, dangerously so. Two lawyers were out hunting when they came upon tracks. The first lawyer declared them to be deer tracks but the second insisted they must be elk tracks. They were still arguing when the train hit them. So it is … Continue reading “Aware of Love”
Category: Love
Forgiving the Slaves to White Supremacy
Jesus tells a parable this Sunday about a God who unceasingly forgives others debts, or sins; 70 x 7 times. In Jesus’ new revelation of divinity, an ethic of forgiving love replaces the old deity, Yahweh, and replaces the old ethic of debt slavery. The old deity was invented by War Lords who enslaved people; … Continue reading “Forgiving the Slaves to White Supremacy”
How Comfortable Am I With Courage?
Jesus is a courageous man. He consistently stands up to rulers who are oppressing others and himself. He seems comfortable in doing so. An Old Testament figure, Jeremiah, is sometimes likened to Jesus. Jeremiah is described as a man who is also oppressed and yet courageous. Does an accurate comparison exist between Jesus and Jeremiah … Continue reading “How Comfortable Am I With Courage?”
A Soft Heart and A Strong Spine
Jesus takes a risk and walks through Samaria. It is considered enemy territory. He then takes an additional risk, engaging with a woman at a well. Jesus’ disciples interpret his behavior as collusion with an enemy, they “were amazed that he was talking with a woman” and certainly a Samaritan. Jesus is simply, but intentionally, … Continue reading “A Soft Heart and A Strong Spine”
Obstruct, Resist, Love
Jesus is again replacing the Law with conscience in this Sunday’s Gospel, “You have heard the law, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Resistance is the current mood in the U.S. How can it be that Jesus … Continue reading “Obstruct, Resist, Love”
Spectrum of Learning: Illuminate
Joseph lives in the shadows of the Gospel with Matthew alone shining any light upon him. That light first comes in the form of Joseph’s genealogy which is used to provide Jesus some credibility with Matthew’s Jewish readers. The second light shown on Joseph, and the focus of this Sunday’s Gospel, is used to provide … Continue reading “Spectrum of Learning: Illuminate”
Hope Amidst Trials
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus speaks apocalyptically, saying of the Temple, “there will not be left a stone upon another stone.” He speaks of people who will start “wars and insurrections” and that “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Though his apocalyptic language may sound similar to current doomsdayers, to label Jesus … Continue reading “Hope Amidst Trials”
Growing in Stature
Among the people, Jesus is growing in stature. He is experienced as a man of integrity, honest and caring. When word spreads through Jericho that he “intends to pass through the town,” a particular man in it, Zacchaeus, “seeks to see who Jesus is.” Zacchaeus is a tax collector. Tax collectors are used by Roman … Continue reading “Growing in Stature”
To Be Unlike and Like
Jesus tells a parable of a Pharisee, “convinced of his own righteousness who despised everyone else.” He is a man who believes he is unlike other commoners. He is supreme, without sin. The Pharisee is helping maintain an entire system of supremacists who force lesser men to be obedient to them. The system includes forcing … Continue reading “To Be Unlike and Like”
The Life-Blood of Prayer
Jesus is here to change the world. Are we? Do we think he or we should be up to something less? Change is powered by prayer. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells of a widow who will not be wearied by an unjust judge. Be persistent, “pray always.” we can be in communion with Real … Continue reading “The Life-Blood of Prayer”