In this Sunday’s first reading Moses links goodness with obedience to the Law, commanding people to “observe the commandments of the Lord.” In the Gospel, followers of Moses, the Pharisees, question the goodness of Jesus and disciples since they disobey the Law, “Why do you not keep the tradition of the elders?” A law mandating … Continue reading “Beyond the 10 Commandments”
Tag: conscience
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”
Killing Conscience is Killing Democracy
“Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed.” Jesus understands the killer ethics of the dictator class. They will kill him and will command subordinate soldier/slaves to do the deed. An extremely small number of very … Continue reading “Killing Conscience is Killing Democracy”
Arresting Intelligence (AI)
Soon after Jesus’ murder, “two of his disciples were walking to a village seven miles” away and “were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them.” Disciples still converse about “all the things that had occurred” around … Continue reading “Arresting Intelligence (AI)”
Arrested
“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.” “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Convert, for the Community of God is at hand.” John the Baptist has been a conscientious public witness, telling the truth about the ruler Herod. Like all rulers, Herod arrests the truth and … Continue reading “Arrested”
Peace On All Sides
Jesus tends not to take sides, meaning he does not play favorites or act like a judge. Jesus does however clearly take sides in the manner of a life witness. For example, Jesus is not on the side of war. He is on the side of peace. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus, the peacemaker, is letting … Continue reading “Peace On All Sides”
Betrayal of Conscience
Betrayal is an old story. It is the story in Sunday’s Gospel in which a woman has betrayed a marriage. She is caught in the act of adultery, and, without her male partner, is forced into the street. Jesus does something unusual by how he relates with the woman. He humanizes her and frees her … Continue reading “Betrayal of Conscience”
For What Was I Born?
Rulers who opposed Jesus from the beginning have had him forcibly arrested. He stands before the ultimate ruler of the land, Pontius Pilate. Pilate assumes Jesus is some type of ruler, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus is not such a ruler, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom … Continue reading “For What Was I Born?”
Both Sides? Nope
Jesus is telling people to “beware of the scribes.” He notes how they like to “accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” He also notes how they like to “devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers.” Jesus understands the scribes use … Continue reading “Both Sides? Nope”
Conscience and Consequence
The disciples have recently returned from sharing Jesus’ Way of communion, love, and healing power with people. One consequence is disciples being targeted for persecution. Another consequence is disciples being targeted for acclaim. Thus, Jesus says to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest.” He does not want them to lose … Continue reading “Conscience and Consequence”