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,…
In the Old Testament, young Samuel mistakenly believes he is being called by Eli. Eli says “the Lord was calling the youth.” The Lord is calling Samuel for allegiance to a War Lord, King David, and to a warrior nation, Israel. In the Gospel, Andrew believes he is being called by Jesus. Jesus says…
“Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem” where they told “King Herod” of their quest. They seek a newborn holy one, “We saw his star rising.” The Magi are scientists and believers open to epiphanies, to experiencing the essential meaning of divinity present in the world. They cultivate care for the natural world and…
The ‘Chosen People’ of ancient Israel, captured by Babylon, dreamed of rebuilding their empire. When Persia’s King Cyrus defeated Babylon, he helped the Chosen people realize that dream. The people therefore acclaim Cyrus as an agent of Yahweh, “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus.” “It is I who arm you, though you…
In Jesus’ time, learned scholars, closed off from the people, devised rules for the people to obey. Often using specialized language, the scholars asserted knowledge, especially about a violent God, hidden from mere commoners. The learned rulers kept the people divided, arguing over minutiae about their God’s rules. In contrast, Jesus spoke openly in…
Jesus is disobedient to the rulers of his time; the “scribes and Pharisees,” and “the Sanhedrin.” He will not be chained by them, not made subservient to their divisive system, as others are. Jesus is free and is teaching others to be free. Jesus keeps encouraging common unity. Therefore, he keeps encouraging reconciliation, “be…
People who believe they are ‘Chosen Ones’ are undertaking a violent coup. They believe their mythical warrior deity, ‘the Lord,’ has unchosen Saul as King and chosen David. “(T)he LORD said to David, ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” Soldiers will switch their allegiance from one king to…
Jesus tells a parable this Sunday about a conniving steward caught “squandering the master’s property.” Though caught, he does not stop his conniving. He merely shifts it to “his master’s debtors one by one.” He does so for personal benefit, figuring, “when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their…
Abraham is known for a rather famous offer of hospitality to travelers, “please do not go on past … let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves.” Afterward, Abraham is rewarded, “One of them said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then…