During Jesus’ time, family meant tribal safety in a threatening world. When Jesus draws people away from family, as he does in this Sunday’s Gospel, he is replacing tribalism with community and safety with risk. He tells potential followers about the risk, “take up your cross and follow after me.” The risk happens because tribal … Continue reading “Risking A Civilized World”
Tag: healers
Nursing Courage
“Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one.” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, angry men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a deadly disease like the coronavirus. Some centuries back, the people of Italy … Continue reading “Nursing Courage”
Dying While We Are Still Alive
Jesus is summoned for a sick friend but upon arriving “found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” When Jesus tells Lazarus’ sister, Martha, “Your brother will rise,” she mistakenly thinks Jesus means a “resurrection on the last day.” He does not. Together they go to the tomb where Jesus “cried … Continue reading “Dying While We Are Still Alive”