Magi travel to Jerusalem in search of an Epiphany, seeing God in a child born to goodness. They encounter a ruler trained otherwise, King Herod. Herod is “greatly troubled” by his meeting with these Wise Ones. The king has “assembled his chief priests and scribes” and deceptively tells the Magi, “Go and search diligently for … Continue reading “Herod Is In The House”
Tag: GOP
The Inchained
Jesus is disobedient to the rulers of his time; the “scribes and Pharisees,” so too “the Sanhedrin.” He will not be chained by them, made subservient to their divisive rules or system. He is free and encourages others to be free. He encourages people’s common unity; “be reconciled with your brother.” As agitating as the … Continue reading “The Inchained”
Violating Borders
Sunday’s first reading uses a dominating tree to symbolize Yahweh’s protected empire and the submission all will one pay to the deity, “Every tree of the field will know that I am the Lord.” Jesus has no interest in empires, their borders, or their violent warlords who protect and sanctify it all. He acts to … Continue reading “Violating Borders”
How Skilled Am I in Moral Conversations?
Jesus gives escalating verbal strategies for speaking up to harmful believers. First, he advises speaking the truth, “If your brother sins… tell him his fault.” Next, expand your courage, “If he does not listen, take others along (to) establish” facts. If he’s still unchanging, Jesus advises speaking up publicly, “Tell the church.” His final advice … Continue reading “How Skilled Am I in Moral Conversations?”
What Is It We Expect?
Expectations are at the center of this Sunday’s readings. They are based on exclusivity and chosen people. The Old Testament reading reflects the culture of Militarism and sets up the expectation of a violent warrior who is an exclusive savior for a chosen people. The Gospel then says “the people were filled with expectation” for … Continue reading “What Is It We Expect?”
Staying Nourished
This Sunday’s Gospel is a healthy lesson on staying nourished. We need to do so while living in a depraved and deprived world. It is the world of Militarism and it has projected its harmful qualities onto a deity. Militarism’s depraved and deprived qualities have been made holy. We first encounter Militarism’s two qualities in … Continue reading “Staying Nourished”