Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Fr. Engelmar Unzeitig is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. He is tempted by the devil that is Nazi Germany during … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Transfigured”
Category: Spirituality
Lenten Saints: Courage
Lent celebrates Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen his life witness. At the end of his sojourn he is tempted by the devil. Hans and Sophie Scholl are led by the Spirit into the wilderness to strengthen their life witness. They are tempted by the devil that is Nazi Germany. … Continue reading “Lenten Saints: Courage”
Curing Stupid
Jesus is judged by rulers as being a demon, “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Jesus offers a reply, “‘How can Satan drive out Satan?’” “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” “No one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property … Continue reading “Curing Stupid”
From Pain to Joy
“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb… she ran and went to Simon Peter and another disciple.” ”Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.” Peter did … Continue reading “From Pain to Joy”
Moral Exercise
Sunday’s Gospel spans Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem through to his crucifixion. Jesus has brought goodness to countless people, especially through his healings. When he enters Jerusalem, “many people spread their cloaks on the road,” in appreciation for that goodness. Jerusalem’s “chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin,” are not appreciative. They know Jesus’ goodness, his conscientious … Continue reading “Moral Exercise”
Emotional Exercise
The Gospel for this time in Lent draws from Jesus nearing the end of his life. He has lived a compassionate and generous life though he has been met with vehement opposition by rulers. He understands the deadly intent of the rulers and yet he is still feeling forgiving and generous, “I say to you, … Continue reading “Emotional Exercise”
Social Exercise
“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night” with questions about God. Jesus’ response speaks of “being born from above.” Also of “being born of water and Spirit.” Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. It is similar to being a member … Continue reading “Social Exercise”
Physical Exercise
Jesus does some necessary house cleaning in this Sunday’s Gospel. “Jesus found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins … Continue reading “Physical Exercise”
Intellectual Exercise
In today’s readings, the Bible tells us how it is good that God told Abraham, “Take your only son Isaac, whom you love, and… offer him up as a holocaust.” But it also tells us it is good when God tells Abraham to then spare Isaac. The Bible then again reverts to having Paul tell … Continue reading “Intellectual Exercise”
Spiritual Exercise
“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “Now is the time of fulfillment. The Community of God … Continue reading “Spiritual Exercise”