Jesus shows love toward those judged sinners. He encounters and befriends a rich tax collector named Zacchaeus who is judged “a sinner.” The man’s wealth is from working for Caesar and the Roman military. From the Gospel and other sources, we know Militarism’s tax collectors have existed from ancient times onward. The job originates with … Continue reading “Tax Collectors”
Category: Militarism
Religious Role, Human Vocation
“Jesus said to disciples, “The Spirit… will glorify me, (to) take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine.” The concept of the Trinity, which includes making Jesus God, is developed over time by ruling patriarchs. The author of John’s Gospel, which is today’s reading for the … Continue reading “Religious Role, Human Vocation”
The Universal Soldier
Jesus encourages looking at ourselves truthfully when tempted to be critical of others, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “You hypocrite!” “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s … Continue reading “The Universal Soldier”
Hail Hale
Jesus tells disciples, “The Son of Man will suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed.” Jesus knows how rulers, sickened with the religion of Militarism, operate. They dominate, abuse, and kill and coerce the soldiers they employ to do the same. Jesus knows they will … Continue reading “Hail Hale”
Patriarchal Rules on Sexual Violence
Moses sets forth “statutes and decrees which,” if “observed,” will gain the dutiful a reward, ‘you may… take possession of the property which the LORD… is giving you.’ Jesus does not observe Moses patriarchal statutes and decrees, “You teach as doctrines mere human rules.” Patriarchal rules control the behavior of men who also gain rewards … Continue reading “Patriarchal Rules on Sexual Violence”
Leaving Militarism
Today’s reading from Exodus says Moses, Aaron, and other warlords “sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord.” They did so believing the “Lord” would then not sacrifice them, “the Lord did not lay a hand on these chosen Israelites.” The reading from Hebrews tells us Jesus’ “own blood” is “sacrificed” to the “Lord.” … Continue reading “Leaving Militarism”
Warlords and Saints
Sunday’s first reading from the Old Testament opens by telling us, “The Lord was pleased to crush him.” What kind of Lord is so pleased? A War Lord. The reading goes on, “If he gives his life as an offering for sin … the will of the Lord will be accomplished.” What Lord’s will is … Continue reading “Warlords and Saints”
Conscience and Consequence
The disciples have recently returned from sharing Jesus’ Way of communion, love, and healing power with people. One consequence is disciples being targeted for persecution. Another consequence is disciples being targeted for acclaim. Thus, Jesus says to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest.” He does not want disciples to lose … Continue reading “Conscience and Consequence”
Peacemaking Pioneers
Jesus is sending out disciples to spread his Way. His is the Way of communion and so he sends out people in pairs to nurture community. His is the Way of compassionate love and so he sends out people who are poor to nurture vulnerability. His is the Way of creativity and so he sends … Continue reading “Peacemaking Pioneers”
Animal Sacrifice
Sacrifice is the theme of Sunday’s readings. Sacrifice means the priestly ritual of “offering something (especially a life) to a deity.” Sacrifice is offered to gain the deity’s favor. The taking of sacrificed life in death rituals, is the primary ritual of the religion of Militarism and it is practiced throughout the Old Testament. It … Continue reading “Animal Sacrifice”