Jesus knows the teachings of the Jewish tradition. After he has been away for a while he returns to the local synagogue and reads from its teachings. He is thus known again by the men of his village as being one of them. However, Jesus then interprets the reading in such a way that it … Continue reading “Who Knows?”
Category: Love
La Gioia Di Buoni Vino E Buoni Amici
“A little more wine?” “I’d love some.” Who wouldn’t love a little more wine. W.C. Fields loved wine. He loved it so much he once said, “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” If the comedian had lived at the time of Jesus, he would have been his best friend, … Continue reading “La Gioia Di Buoni Vino E Buoni Amici”
What is the Magi In Us?
Matthew’s desire to illuminate Jesus’ likely obscure birth has him pen a story of Magi visiting the manger. The Magi serve as a counter-balance to Herod. The Magi are wise, Herod foolish. The Magi are honest, Herod deceptive. The Magi bring gifts to welcome a birth, Herod devises a plot to carry out a murder. … Continue reading “What is the Magi In Us?”
How Can We Extend Our Children’s Families?
A story is told about Jesus being lost when he is 12 years old. Mary and Joseph are returning home from a festival in Jerusalem. Having journeyed for a day already, Mary and Joseph cannot find Jesus nestled in the safety of extended family members. They return to the city and, after three days of … Continue reading “How Can We Extend Our Children’s Families?”
Can We Celebrate a Humble Christmas Season?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist is sought after as a man of integrity, humble and wise. Some people begin to wonder if he is the Christ. Being humble John deflects any potential glory and directs people toward another: “there is one who comes after me.” Interestingly enough, Jesus, who John is heralding, also … Continue reading “Can We Celebrate a Humble Christmas Season?”
What Price Glory?
Two of Jesus’ followers, James and John, engage him in a quite calculated conversation: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Jesus replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other … Continue reading “What Price Glory?”
Why Don’t Rich People Like To Share?
Shocking in its day and still now is Jesus’ encounter with a rich young man. The man keeps the commandments but, because he is rich, is said to lack godliness, “Go and sell what you have to the poor.” Not only is the rich young man stunned by this news the disciples are too. Their … Continue reading “Why Don’t Rich People Like To Share?”
How Good Is It To Be Alone?
Pharisees are concerned about their man-made laws being obeyed. They seek to press Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel about their law on divorce. “‘Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?’ They were testing him.” The test was to whether Jesus adhered to a harsh or more lenient view of men putting aside … Continue reading “How Good Is It To Be Alone?”
Collective Consciousness
All people who challenge the status quo are made to suffer by those who uphold it. Jesus challenged it and was persecuted and killed by the rulers of his day. When Jesus shares with disciples his consciousness of this timeless truth, they are confounded. However, they ask no further questions to raise their own consciousness. … Continue reading “Collective Consciousness”
Faith as Trust
There is a curious element of faith relevant to this Sunday’s Gospel. People in need of food had sought out Jesus to fill that need. Jesus did fill it when he blessed, broke, and shared five loaves and two fishes to feed over 5,000 people. Some of the people want more though. They follow Jesus … Continue reading “Faith as Trust”