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.…
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,…
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……
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…