The Gospel for this time in Lent draws from Jesus nearing the end of his life. He has lived a compassionate and generous life though he has been met with vehement opposition by rulers. He understands the deadly intent of the rulers and yet he is still feeling forgiving and generous, “I say to you, … Continue reading “Emotional Exercise”
Tag: love
Blazing Love
Jesus tells disciples, “I have come to light a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already ablaze.” Jesus lights a fire of love as do disciples. Such love blazes wild, spreading to Samaritans, those who are poor, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors and so many more. It challenges imperialists, of Rome, throughout … Continue reading “Blazing Love”
Revelation: Love
What I did for love moved me far beyond my home in Galilee. I was an itinerant, journeying from one village to the next with my mission to love. So many people touched my life as I touched theirs. Some were hateful, lethally so. But they could not kill my milder Spirit. They could not … Continue reading “Revelation: Love”
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”
Being Afraid to Love is the Problem
Rulers judge Jesus is a problem and they target problem people with hostility. Jesus focuses on people as friends and is loving. It is therefore not Jesus nor his disciples who are the problem but rulers and their supporters. Thus, the encounter in today’s Gospel when a ruler, “a scholar of the law, tested” the … Continue reading “Being Afraid to Love is the Problem”
Called to Community
Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit. In the midst of rulers who devise division and hatred, Jesus is on a Spirited mission for community and love. “As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.” “He said to them, “Come after … Continue reading “Called to Community”
Is Love A Folly?
Jesus has encounters with people “who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” In today’s Gospel he tells of a Pharisee who is praying near a humble tax collector, despised by others, who “stood off at a distance … and prayed” for “mercy.” The Pharisee’s prayer is, “O God, I thank you … Continue reading “Is Love A Folly?”
The Capacity for God
“An attentive ear is the joy of the wise,” so writes Sirach. Wisely listening to the wisdom of another requires we “conduct our affairs with humility.” Jesus wisely gives an attentive ear to others and therefore conducts his affairs with humility. In the Gospel, “Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the … Continue reading “The Capacity for God”
Grieving
Jesus’ suffering and death is detailed in this final week of Lent. It is excruciating and it is intentionally inflicted. The pain of it all is expressed by Jesus throughout; the agony in the garden, his betrayal by Judas, being arrested, being tortured, being murdered. It is excruciating for his loved ones who witness the … Continue reading “Grieving”
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”