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?”
Tag: Community of God
Homemaking
In the Gospel Jesus is preparing disciples for his death. He tells them, in part, his departure includes a benefit to them. He says, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” It should not be surprising, Jesus spent his life preparing a place for people here on earth. Jesus was a homemaker. He … Continue reading “Homemaking”
Spectrum of Learning: Aware
The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent begins with John the Baptist. John is something of a fiery character. He makes the public aware of the injustice of rulers. John calls rulers a “brood of vipers.” The rulers are aware of his challenge and plan to extinguish him. That is how Militarism operates. Militarism … Continue reading “Spectrum of Learning: Aware”
Are Christians Willfully Ignorant of Jesus’ Nonviolence?
Jesus initiates a radical paradigm shift for humanity when he teaches and gives witness to the Community of God, sometimes translated as the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ Kingdom of God shifts humanity to communion, love, and creative healing power thus transforming the kingdom of Caesar’s domination, suffering, and violence. Unfortunately, institutional christianity hinders that transformation. … Continue reading “Are Christians Willfully Ignorant of Jesus’ Nonviolence?”
Why Don’t Rich People Like To Share?
Shocking in its day and still now is Jesus’ encounter with a rich young man. The man keeps the commandments but, because he is rich, is said to lack godliness, “Go and sell what you have to the poor.” Not only is the rich young man stunned by this news the disciples are too. Their … Continue reading “Why Don’t Rich People Like To Share?”
A Spice of Life
Jesus tells a parable about a mustard seed grown into a plant in this Sunday’s Gospel. It begins, “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.” It later describes birds coming and nesting in the plant. The parable is often interpreted in reference to growth. For example, as a person’s faith growing larger from … Continue reading “A Spice of Life”
A Fulfilling Peace
Jesus makes a proclamation in this Sunday’s Gospel. “This is the time of fulfillment. The Community of God is at hand.” By doing so Jesus shifts the meaning of fulfillment. His listeners had long been taught of a promise that was to be realized in a time of fulfillment. The promised fulfillment was that of … Continue reading “A Fulfilling Peace”
People Getting What They Deserve
Someone getting what they deserve has an ominous tone to it. While it could indicate someone being rewarded, the sound of it feels more like someone is suffering as payback. People getting what they deserve signifies an exacting judgment. Jesus’ parable this Sunday is about a landowner who does not make exacting judgments. He gives … Continue reading “People Getting What They Deserve”
Treasures
St. Lawrence, whose feast day is next week, fits well with Jesus’ teaching this Sunday; “the Community of God is like a treasure.” Lawrence lived in Rome and was a disciple of Jesus (?225-258). He served his faith community by caring for those who were poor, distributing the goods of the community to people according … Continue reading “Treasures”
Foresight
Foresight is mental preparedness. It focuses disciples on the Community of God. Our foresight about the Community of God can be diverted by such things as wealth. In the Old Testament wealth tends to be seen from the point of view of those who have it. They believe it is a blessing from God. The … Continue reading “Foresight”