Isaiah tells us of the distance between “the Lord” and the people. Those who are obedient should “call on the Lord while he is near.” To those who are disobedient and thus far from the Lord, he says, “Turn to the Lord for mercy… as high as the heavens are above the earth, so…
Today’s Old Testament reading focuses on the Chosen people to whom the Lord God Yahweh says, “I have appointed you watchman for the house of Israel.” “If I tell the wicked, ‘O wicked one, you shall surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall…
In a U.S. Empire whose wrathful and deadly Lord is celebrating the 250th birthday of its flag, our readings deal with Lords. Exodus tells us the Lord Yahweh is once again wrathful and threatening death, “You have seen for yourselves how I treated the Egyptians.” In Romans, Paul of Tarsus relays that same Lord…
Today’s Gospel according to John, used to celebrate the Trinity, tells us, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son… Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned.” Perhaps the Gospel condemnation means to a less meaningful life. Supremacists within institutional Christianity…
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on…
At Jesus’ Ascension he promises disciples, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took…
The Gospel tells us Jesus is born into a world made divisive, abusive, and deadly by rulers. The rulers are dominating the people, threatening Magi, and killing children. Jesus’ father, Joseph, understands the danger. He gathered his family together “and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.” Given the…
In the Old Testament scripture, Malachi promises people safety and salvation when he says their War “Lord God will come to his temple” and wage war. Under the command of the War Lord Yahweh and his War Lord soldiers “all enemies will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on…
The Old Testament’s prophet Habakkuk is wanting the Lord to do his violent duty, “How long, O LORD, must I… cry out to you, “Violence!” and you do not intervene?” The Lord finally avenges the Israelites and does his violent duty against enemy sinners, “For the violence done to (Israel) shall overwhelm you,” sinners.…
“Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the great Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to” them about “how they were choosing the places of greatness at the table.” He concluded his parable describing their dehumanizing supremacy by sharing wisdom about communion, “He said…