Jesus tells a parable this Sunday about a conniving steward caught “squandering the master’s property.” Though caught, he does not stop his conniving. He merely shifts it to “his master’s debtors one by one.” He does so for personal benefit, figuring, “when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their…
From Sunday’s Old Testament reading we know of the claim that “all nations” will worship “the Lord.” Western history would seem to bear this claim out. For example, the U.S. continues to show a majority of people still worshiping the Bible’s “Lord.” We also know from the Old Testament and Sunday’s second reading, that…
Jeremiah is blaming the people and their sins for Babylonian gangs of soldiers making war against them and dividing them. Jeremiah does not blame the gangs of soldiers. Conversely, in the Gospel, Jesus is encouraging people for peaceful leadership. They will need it for the division ahead, “From now on a household of five…
Jesus has a universal message of communion and is often on the move sharing it. He is thus constantly in contact with a variety of different people always bringing them together. He is creating a new people’s movement. Jesus’ universal movement of communion is highlighted at Pentecost, All “were filled with the Spirit and…
Jesus is telling people to “beware of the scribes.” They like to “accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” He also says they like to “devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers.” Jesus knows scribes exploit those who are vulnerable,…