Jesus “asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of … Continue reading “Who Do You Say that I Am?”
Tag: Evangelicals
Habits of the Home
Jesus tells of a Pharisee who has the habit of going up “to the Temple area to pray.” He feels at home there but will not extend that feeling to another who has joined him. For, while there, the Pharisee’s prayer habit is to insult and ostracize those he judges as not belonging there with … Continue reading “Habits of the Home”
What in God’s Name?
Jesus is naming the terrors rulers will devise and is en-couraging people to be brave. Always rulers and their soldiers will devise “wars and insurrections.” Always in a ruler’s name “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Always in a ruler’s name will soldiers “seize and persecute you, hand you over to…prisons, lead … Continue reading “What in God’s Name?”
The Con of Wile E. Characters
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 homes.” … Continue reading “The Con of Wile E. Characters”
Shaking Persecutors
Much of Isaiah affirms the persecution a just deity inflicts upon his Chosen People who have been disobedient. In its last chapter, Isaiah tells the Chosen People who have returned to obedience that “Everyone will see the LORD’s hand of blessing on his servants and his anger against his enemies.” Jesus’ Gospel obliterates that blessing … Continue reading “Shaking Persecutors”
Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas
Jesus knows Judas is about to betray him to the rulers who will kill him. Jesus takes responsibility to reach out lovingly to Judas. He shares a communion meal with Judas. Jesus is honest and addresses Judas and his betrayal at the meal. Judas unfortunately goes through with the betrayal. However, we know Judas later … Continue reading “Evangelicals Are Worse Than Judas”
Conscience and Consequence
The disciples have recently returned from sharing Jesus’ Way of communion, love, and healing power with people. One consequence is disciples being targeted for persecution. Another consequence is disciples being targeted for acclaim. Thus, Jesus says to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest.” He does not want them to lose … Continue reading “Conscience and Consequence”
Civil War in a Divided Kingdom
Jesus’ many healings upset rulers, especially his exorcisms; the driving out of a demonic or divisive force. The rulers are upset because, in truth, Jesus is driving them out; their rule too is a demonic and divisive force. Rulers would drive us mad with their demonic divisiveness of priests over laity, bosses over workers, whites … Continue reading “Civil War in a Divided Kingdom”
Keep the Faith or Give it Away?
“Keep the faith,” is an old adage. It is said as encouragement and meant to bolster friends and their attitude in a given circumstance. It is often said routinely and perhaps humorously. But it is just as importantly said and meant in difficult circumstances; times when faith may be all that keeps us going. But … Continue reading “Keep the Faith or Give it Away?”
Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?
Dear Evangelicals, When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, you were all in one [palace] together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving [spin], and it filled the entire [white]house in which you were. Then there appeared to you [glory] as of fire, which parted and came to rest … Continue reading “Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?”