The Old Testament writes of Yahweh, declaring, “I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God.” Yahweh then has Moses give his 10 commandments to the people. Afterward, Moses says, “Fear the LORD, your God, and keep, throughout the days of your lives, all his statutes and commandments.’” “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our … Continue reading “Love They Neighbor”
Tag: MAGA
Glory
“James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the … Continue reading “Glory”
Of Our Company
“John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he is not of our company. Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.” Jesus went on to talk about what causes us to sin, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” “And … Continue reading “Of Our Company”
Meritocracy
Jesus’ Gospel message continues to focus on communion, from which one of the founders of institutional christianity unfortunately diverges – Paul of Tarsus. Paul infamously states in today’s second reading, “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife.” “As the church is subordinate to … Continue reading “Meritocracy”
Retaliate or Nourish
The Old Testament tells of worshippers complaining to Yahweh, “You had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” Yahweh retaliates against the disloyal worshippers, “the LORD drove in quail from the sea… for the people… but while the meat was still between their teeth… the LORD’s wrath flared … Continue reading “Retaliate or Nourish”
Gods of the Hunt
The New Testament reading is likely written by Paul or perhaps a follower to the people of Ephesus. It describes Paul being in prison. Paul is in prison because there are rulers who want him in prison. In today’s reading he is encouraging the people of Ephesus “to preserve the unity of the spirit through … Continue reading “Gods of the Hunt”
Demons and Their Evil Intent
Jesus has been demonstrating a power to heal people, after which “the Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.” Though threatened with being killed, Jesus persists in healing and shares the power with others. “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two … Continue reading “Demons and Their Evil Intent”
Stopping the Storm
While the disciples and Jesus were in a boat, a “violent storm came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.” Jesus was asleep. “They woke him… ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! … Continue reading “Stopping the Storm”
Critics Do Not Heal
Old Testament priests officially “declared” a person pure or impure, for example, lepers were declared impure. Priests would banish impure persons like lepers, establishing borders to keep them out, “He shall dwell apart.” Integrated relationships were destroyed. The Gospel’s Jesus of Nazareth gathers together people who are declared impure. More so, he specifically heals those … Continue reading “Critics Do Not Heal”
Davos and Hollow Men
“Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unhealthy spirit… Jesus rebuked him and said, ‘Come out of him!’ The unhealthy spirit… came out of him. All were amazed … Continue reading “Davos and Hollow Men”