Jesus gives testimony in this Sunday’s Gospel to the courage needed by disciples. He speaks of our need for courage in times of trial. We especially need courage in times of violence, the violence that surround us and awaits us. We will need to give testimony to courage in the simplest and in the most … Continue reading “Courage”
Tag: militarism
New Life
All the world rejoices in the birthing of new life. The faith of followers of Jesus flows from such joy. It is the joy of birth and of rebirth, the Resurrection. The Resurrection is a topic in this Sunday’s Gospel. It proposes that every birth and every rebirth flow from a life-giving Spirit. One celebration … Continue reading “New Life”
Mission
Jesus missions disciples for an entirely new creation. He sends them out to the villages and towns to tell the people, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus has been giving witness to its counter-cultural qualities. Now, he is sending disciples out, in pairs, to give witness to them as well. In this Sunday’s … Continue reading “Mission”
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is an ancient religious ritual. It is practiced by the religion of Militarism. Throughout history, Militarists have practiced blood sacrifice on animals but also on human subjects (War is the most routine example). Jesus never practiced sacrifice rituals. He never shed the blood of any human being. He certainly never taught that sacrificing any … Continue reading “Sacrifice”
Peacemaking
Peace is Jesus’ way. It is his gift to everyone: “Peace be with you.” Those who want to learn from Jesus, receive the gift of peace and share it with others. One sign of our doing so is our willingness to be at peace, as Jesus was, with different people. Our differences with people might … Continue reading “Peacemaking”
Resurrection
Resurrection means so many things. It means Christ Jesus lives. It means the creative healing power of God endures beyond the grave. Christ Jesus lives beyond the suffering and death inflicted upon him. That pain was inflicted by Militarists who believe violence is a saving act and that they have the right to inflict it. … Continue reading “Resurrection”