Ancient Israel is a small nation but demands great attention due to its War Lords writing of their supremacy over others as God’s “Chosen People,” “majestic, descendants of a “royal line.” Conversely, Jesus draws great attention due to gathering a growing people’s movement, The Community of God. He describes it in humble terms, “a mustard … Continue reading “Attention”
Tag: Community of God
Ultimate Joy of Peacemaking
Jesus speaks of great purpose and focus in the parables he tells this Sunday, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field which a person finds… and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching … Continue reading “Ultimate Joy of Peacemaking”
Joyful Homemaking
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.” “Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Spirit.” There gathered a large crowd of “Parthians, Medes and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, … Continue reading “Joyful Homemaking”
What Are We Prepping For?
Jonah is given the task of converting sinners, the “wicked” people of Nineveh. He walks away from the task feeling no desire nor urgency given their wickedness. He eventually carries it out and the people convert. “But this greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry.” He believed the sinners deserved the wrath of the Lord. … Continue reading “What Are We Prepping For?”
Christ is Not Liberal
Jesus tells disciples, in the “Community of God” caring for the least is caring for him, “Whatever you did for one of the least of mine, you did for me.” Opponents of Jesus will not care for the least and therefore will not care for Christ Jesus nor Christs throughout history, “When did we see … Continue reading “Christ is Not Liberal”
Saying No to Fools and Yes to Wisdom
Jesus tells a story showing how the “Kingdom of God will be like women who took their lamps and went out to meet a bridegroom.” But the bridegroom “was long delayed.” Some women were wise and had brought “flasks of oil.” Others were “foolish” and “brought no oil with them.” The fools demand of the … Continue reading “Saying No to Fools and Yes to Wisdom”
What is Our Consciousness?
Sunday’s readings show consciousness of a culture’s laws. It begins with a consciousness of the Ten Commandments, then consciousness of the Levitical priesthood and its judgment of many laws, and finally the consciousness of a scribe who questions Jesus about all law. Jesus violated his culture’s laws. Law is used to control and oppress people. … Continue reading “What is Our Consciousness?”
A Beloved Community
Jesus’ Community of God is a revolutionary endeavor – to relate as equals, to be loving with one another, and to act as the creative healing power we are. Early disciples knew that for them to remain revolutionary amidst empire’s normal and opposite inequality, hatred, and violence they needed Community. Today’s second reading shows how … Continue reading “A Beloved Community”
Generous Farmers
Jesus tells a parable about the Community of God being a community of generosity. A farmer makes sure all farm workers benefit from a full day’s wage though not all work a full day’s hours. Not everyone likes the farmer’s generosity, “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to … Continue reading “Generous Farmers”
Whose Kingdom?
Is the Kingdom of God Jesus is describing and establishing here on earth a treasure; is it a pearl of great price, maybe a net, or perhaps a person caring for a home – and how is it so? It is all and more and each of Jesus’ metaphors is worthy of its own considerable … Continue reading “Whose Kingdom?”