The Old Testament reading from Sirach glorifies the rule of law, telling people, “If you choose, you can keep the Lord’s commandments, they will save you.” The reading from Psalm 119 also glorifies the rule of law, using various synonyms across its many verses such as precepts, statutes, commandments, and judgments. The psalm extends…
The Old Testament reading describes the establishment of holy rule, “All the elders of Israel” stood “before the Lord” to “anoint David King.” The king takes command of the army and its soldiers, tortures enemies, and kills people. It is the command king takes in the Gospel, specifically torturing and killing Jesus. As Jesus…
The Old Testament’s prophet Habakkuk is wanting the Lord to do his violent duty, “How long, O LORD, must I… cry out to you, “Violence!” and you do not intervene?” The Lord finally avenges the Israelites and does his violent duty against enemy sinners, “For the violence done to (Israel) shall overwhelm you,” sinners.…
On this Feast that errantly celebrates the Exaltation of the Cross, Paul of Tarsus teaches that though “Jesus was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave… becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.…
“Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the great Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to” them about “how they were choosing the places of greatness at the table.” He concluded his parable describing their dehumanizing supremacy by sharing wisdom about communion, “He said…
The Old Testament reading says the people should be “an offering to the LORD.” It means the people should live their lives in sacrifice to the Lord. If they do so, the Lord will save them from their “enemies.” In the Gospel “Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went.” “Someone asked…
“Martha welcomed Jesus. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The…
“On a journey to Jericho, a man fell victim to robbers. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan…
In the Old Testament reading, Abraham has slaves whom he takes to war as soldiers to kill enemies. Upon victory, an allied king, Melchizedek, who also uses slaves as soldiers, glorifies Abraham as God/Godly. Like all War Lords, Abraham gave a portion of the war’s plunder to his slave soldiers. “Abraham gave Melchizedek a…
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. What are the hopes and dreams of every father for his son? Perhaps it is that he too should know the…