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”
Tag: authority
Bread and Circuses
“Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” Rulers, such as the scribes, could keep the people busy with memorizing doctrine or even entertained with superficial rhetoric. But rulers could not draw forth what Jesus drew forth, … Continue reading “Bread and Circuses”
The Authority of Artists
Jesus is beginning his creative expression on this earth. He will author much beauty across his life. He is an artist, born of Divinity. It is confirmed in his baptism, “and behold, the heavens were opened and John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Jesus.” We are … Continue reading “The Authority of Artists”
Convulsing an Adversary
Jesus starts his public ministry by reaching out to people and teaching them. They are impressed, to say the least, “The people are astonished at Jesus’ teaching, for he teaches them as one having authority and not as their rulers.” Jesus also begins reaching out to people and healing them. In one encounter a man … Continue reading “Convulsing an Adversary”
Conscientious Authority
This Sunday’s Gospel shows Jesus’ local opponents colluding with Roman sympathizers. The Pharisees and the Herodians are colluding in a plan to trap Jesus. They use a tax question to set the trap. “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar?” Jesus’ response is commonly misinterpreted by self-titled Christians. Martin Luther famously misinterpreted … Continue reading “Conscientious Authority”