“The angel said to the Shepherds, ‘I proclaim to you tidings of great joy to be shared with all people.’” “‘Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of angels saying, ‘Glory to God and peace … Continue reading “Making Peace Together”
Tag: Covid-19
Healing Mandates
Jesus has been healing people in many villages but not in his own. Locals question why he can’t “do (healing) here in your native place.” Jesus proposes it is their lack of faith. He names two Gentiles from their Old Testament stories who, unlike them, did believe and were healed. “When the people in the … Continue reading “Healing Mandates”
Are Youth Filled With Expectation?
The people are facing many hardships. Upon learning of John the Baptist, they are “filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying” he was not. John knows the Christ “will baptize you with the Spirit.” Do we know how serious are the … Continue reading “Are Youth Filled With Expectation?”
Walking Away From the Call to War
In today’s Old Testament reading the Warlord Yahweh calls the Warlord Jacob to, “Exult at the head of the nations.” The New Testament reading says “every high priest” is “called by God” to offer blood “sacrifices for sins.” In the Gospel, a blind man, Bartimaeus, calls Jesus to heal him. “Many rebuked him, telling him … Continue reading “Walking Away From the Call to War”
Parents Who Will Not Receive a Child
Some disciples “had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.” In reply, Jesus, “taking a child, placed the child in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.’” However great we imagine we are, most … Continue reading “Parents Who Will Not Receive a Child”
Bread of Life: Giving
Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.” “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Jesus is nourishing people being starved, with food and with wisdom. He is cautioning … Continue reading “Bread of Life: Giving”
Bread of Life: Farming
People are searching for Jesus. When they find him, Jesus challenges them as to why, “You are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate loaves and were filled.” Jesus challenges them further, to follow his Way, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger.” People … Continue reading “Bread of Life: Farming”
A New Normal: Social Health
Jesus said to his disciples, I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in them, will bear much fruit.” Bearing fruit is a metaphor indicative of health; physical, psychological, spiritual. Producing sickness is indicative of the exact opposite. A terrible sickness, abnormal in that it is a pandemic, has … Continue reading “A New Normal: Social Health”
Healed of the Herd
Late into the night disciples are in a boat “being tossed about by the waves.” They see Jesus coming “toward them walking on the sea.” “They were terrified” “and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” Peter alone asserts he is not … Continue reading “Healed of the Herd”
Plan for Bold Love
Ancient War Lords always had a master plan. To sanctify their master plan, they invented mirror image Master War Lords, like Yahweh. So it is that Yahweh is described in today’s Old Testament reading as a “master of might” whose plan is for “mastery over all things.” Jesus has no “master” plan for “mastery.” His … Continue reading “Plan for Bold Love”