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?”
Tag: Coronavirus
Conspiracy Theories
In Jesus’ time, learned scholars would convene among themselves apart from the people. In their enclaves they devised rules for the people to obey, often using specialized language. Asserting knowledge hidden from mere commoners, these learned rulers, and their consorts, kept the people divided, arguing over minutiae of their rules. Jesus, on the other hand, … Continue reading “Conspiracy Theories”
Risking A Civilized World
During Jesus’ time, family meant tribal safety in a threatening world. When Jesus draws people away from family, as he does in this Sunday’s Gospel, he is replacing tribalism with community and safety with risk. He tells potential followers about the risk, “take up your cross and follow after me.” The risk happens because tribal … Continue reading “Risking A Civilized World”
Nursing Courage
“Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one.” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, angry men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a deadly disease like the coronavirus. Some centuries back, the people of Italy … Continue reading “Nursing Courage”
Doctors of Peace
Jesus is at his last meal with disciples. This includes Judas who has already betrayed Jesus and later that night will assault him. Jesus knows Judas is betraying him. He knows and describes the assault and violence that await. Jesus does not, however, assault Judas nor does he even protest against him. Instead, Jesus initiates … Continue reading “Doctors of Peace”
The Bully Pulpit
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 and repeatedly so? That describes bullying. Jesus was never patient about people suffering under bullies. In today’s Gospel … Continue reading “The Bully Pulpit”
A Man Commended to You By God
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 patriarch … Continue reading “A Man Commended to You By God”
Facts To Believe In
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? Setting aside a supernatural experience such as the Resurrection, … Continue reading “Facts To Believe In”