“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb… she ran and went to Simon Peter and another disciple.” ”Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.” Peter did … Continue reading “From Pain to Joy”
Tag: Jesus
Listening to Love
Jesus lives in a culture dominated by the religion of Militarism, practiced by both Rome and Israel. Militarism is known by its cult of worshiping War Lord supremacists, by its creed of inflicting suffering on enemies, and by its code of sanctified violence. Jesus transforms the world by telling the people, “To you who listen… … Continue reading “Listening to Love”
Musings on Love
Isaiah writes “The LORD goes forth like a warrior, like a man of war he stirs up his fury; He shouts out his battle cry, against his enemies.” John the Baptist heralds Isaiah’s warrior deity and tries to save people from being an enemy to that deity by cleansing people of past sins. John then … Continue reading “Musings on Love”
A Red Flag
Jesus is telling the crowds, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Those listening quarrel at the thought. Who would not put up a red flag after that? A red flag is used to warn of danger. When Jesus speaks of … Continue reading “A Red Flag”
Stop Supporting the Troops
Abram in the Old Testament is set to wage war. He “mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Retainers are armed soldiers, men born into debt/slavery to a tribal warlord, and used as troops. Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, … Continue reading “Stop Supporting the Troops”
Usual and Unusual
Disciples have not been living a usual life. They’ve been living an unusual life with an unusual guide, Jesus, a peacemaker. Usual life consists of living under warmaking rulers who judge common people’s sins and calculate the payment they must suffer through to be redeemed of their sinner status. The payment might be money, it … Continue reading “Usual and Unusual”
Slaves, Prostitutes, Soldiers
Disciples are alive with the Spirit of the Risen Christ. They are giving witness to a free and revolutionary way that disturbs the system and those who arrange for its undisturbed dominance. Those dominating the system during Jesus’ time included the Sanhedrin, rabbis who ruled ancient Israel. When Jesus’ peaceful revolution started disturbing those rulers, … Continue reading “Slaves, Prostitutes, Soldiers”
Special Love
While at Synagogue, Jesus reveals a God whose love is for all people. His revelation angers the men there who believe they are the special love of a special god. Jesus then reminds them of a couple of instances when their own rather selectively loving deity managed to expand his special love. He recalls stories … Continue reading “Special Love”
Beginning With Peace
Sunday’s readings begin with a passage from Isaiah referred to as the Suffering Servant. It is about one who will fight to “bring forth justice to the nations.” He will not “cry out” nor “shout,” “a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench until he establishes justice on … Continue reading “Beginning With Peace”
Arrival of a Pregnancy
Advent means arrival and specifically harkens the arrival of the Christ child, Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospel readings throughout Advent always expand the meaning of Jesus’ arrival. For example, the Advent readings include Jesus’ arrival into public ministry. John the Baptist’s experience is thus emphasized. The readings also include messages mistakenly interpreted as Jesus’ arrival … Continue reading “Arrival of a Pregnancy”