“Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch. Simon said in reply, ‘Teacher, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your words I will lower the nets.’ … Continue reading “Deep Dive Into Militarism’s Toxic Masculinity”
Category: Military-Dominion
Earlier Immigrant Tribulations
Jesus cautions people about the “tribulation” rulers will cause for them, “Those times will be more distressful than any.” The tribulation focuses on the rulers terrorizing and killing him. But Jesus understand rulers will terrorize and kill commoners of every age. Commoners will face the tribulations with love and courage. Francesca Cabrini, born in Lombardy, … Continue reading “Earlier Immigrant Tribulations”
Molded by Scribes
“Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the Scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the market places, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” The word scribe means “to write,” and signified the man who was the keeper of laws, accounts, and so forth. … Continue reading “Molded by Scribes”
Lording Nuclear Annihilation
Two of Jesus’ followers desire the glory of rule and ask him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus then summons the others and says to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers lord it over them, and their great … Continue reading “Lording Nuclear Annihilation”
Parents Who Will Not Receive a Child
Some disciples “had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.” In reply, Jesus, “taking a child, placed the child in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.’” However great we imagine we are, most … Continue reading “Parents Who Will Not Receive a Child”
Show No Partiality to the Rich
The Old Testament routinely shows partiality to the rich, since its writers believe wealth is a sign of God’s blessing. Poverty thus marks a person as cursed by God, a sinner. Jesus in the Gospel reverses the Old Testament. He shows no partiality to the rich. Their wealth is man-made from abusing the poor. James … Continue reading “Show No Partiality to the Rich”
Being Biblical Betrays Jesus
In the Old Testament Bible reading, Joshua and his soldiers are decades into waging wars on enemies. They are wars against the people whose land Joshua believes the Lord gave to them as the Chosen People. Joshua summons his military “officers.” They “stood in ranks before the Lord” and the people. Joshua tells them, “If … Continue reading “Being Biblical Betrays Jesus”
Authority and Autonomy: Abortion
Jesus sent out the disciples “two by two and gave them authority over unhealthy spirits.” “So the disciples… drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” Authority has roots in the term auger, the farm implement used to open the soil. Auger, and thus authority, means we … Continue reading “Authority and Autonomy: Abortion”
God’s Will for the Fourth of July
God willing the violent death of sinners is a common prophecy of the Old Testament. They “have rebelled against me,” says the Lord. “(T)hey shall die for their sin.” (Ez 2) God wills a Chosen People in a Chosen Empire are ruled by a violent messianic warrior who kills enemy sinners, “My chosen one… (who) … Continue reading “God’s Will for the Fourth of July”
DeMoralize the Police
Jesus addresses disciples, “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Jesus’ words are often called the ‘The Great Commission.’ Persons he has helped shape as peacemakers he sends out to give authoritative witness to the Way of communion, love, and … Continue reading “DeMoralize the Police”