Showing Partiality

After Jesus is murdered by rulers of the Roman Empire, his disciples do their best to “love one another.” Disciples start expanding Jesus’ Community of God to diverse members and to expanding their love to those diverse members. Peter is struggling though. He is initially inclined to be loving and show partiality to those who … Continue reading “Showing Partiality”

Feast on Spirituality Fast from Projection

Jesus listens as people ask him about the sin of murdered “Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with the blood of his sacrifices.” The people are coerced by rulers to believe those murdered were sinners who deserved their suffering and death.  Jesus rejects it all, “Do you think… the Galileans suffered (because) they were greater sinners?” … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Projection”

Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times

Peter is pondering a limit or cap on the number of times he needs to forgive someone. He says to Jesus, “If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus famously responds, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Who of us have forgiven … Continue reading “Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times”

Leading Sheep

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is designated as Good Shepherd Sunday. Its Gospel reading is drawn from Jesus’ teaching on the subject. Most commentaries on the subject assert good shepherds lead from the front. Others consider the possibly they lead from behind. Perhaps we might also consider that a good shepherd leads from among. A … Continue reading “Leading Sheep”