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…
In Jesus’ time, learned scholars, closed off from the people, devised rules for the people to obey. Often using specialized language, the scholars asserted knowledge, especially about a violent God, hidden from mere commoners. The learned rulers kept the people divided, arguing over minutiae about their God’s rules. In contrast, Jesus spoke openly in…
Jesus is encouraging disciples for persecution that awaits them. “Jesus said to the Twelve: ‘Fear no one.’” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, violent men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a violent disease…
In Sunday’s readings from Peter, we are told, “If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.” Are we to be patient when the suffering is intentionally inflicted upon us and repeatedly so? That describes bullying. Jesus was never patient about people suffering under bullies.…
After Jesus’ death, Peter, in the Acts of the Apostles, is making the case for Jesus. Peter asserts “Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs” of healings. But Peter unfortunately goes on to link the commendable healer Jesus with the lamentable ruler David, “the…
Disciples believe they have seen Jesus and tell Thomas about it. Ordinarily, not a big deal. Except for the fact the disciples watched Jesus die just a few days earlier. How can they reconcile the two? How can people know facts and believe something else entirely? For example, how can millions of people know…