Is politics a joke? “Mommy, I wanna grow up and become a politician. Well honey, which is it? You can’t do both.” Politics tends to be the rule of the master class and reflects religious nationalism. Sunday’s Old Testament reading shows Jeremiah concerned with politics, but only within the narrow confines of his chosen people, … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Our Politics”
Tag: Graham
Orphaned Jesus
Jesus knows his suffering and death are approaching and he is saying good bye to disciples. He promises to return as an Advocating Spirit, “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.” The practice of reaching out to child orphans was one of the starkest counter-cultural practices of Jesus’ first followers. A … Continue reading “Orphaned Jesus”
Left Behind or Progressing Forward
Jesus is progressing forward in his mission of peace in this Sunday’s Gospel. He travels into Samaria which some of his followers think is enemy territory. After some Samaritans reject Jesus, two of his followers ask him, “Do you want us to call down fire from heaven against them?” Jesus lives and teaches love of … Continue reading “Left Behind or Progressing Forward”
Our Place
When Jesus returns to his native place, as this Sunday’s Gospel relates, he is a different man than the boy who left. He is especially noteworthy as a healer. He is different from the tribe that helped shape him, that thinks it knows him and has beliefs about who he should be. For the tribe, … Continue reading “Our Place”