In this final week of the Easter season Jesus speaks of having been true to those given to him. He understands one, will not be true to him, Judas, the “son of destruction.” “I protected them… and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction.” Jesus’ protecting and guarding … Continue reading “Being True”
Tag: military
What Militarism Whips Up
Jesus’ clearing of the Temple in this Sunday’s Gospel is grossly misinterpreted. Militarists misinterpret it as an act of violence. The misinterpretation allows their religion, Militarism, to maintain its oppressive rule over humanity, our hearts and minds. Militarism has no regard for the peacemaker Jesus of Nazareth. In this misinterpretation and others, they mis-characterize, disrespect, … Continue reading “What Militarism Whips Up”
Models of Authority
One model of authority is to rule over people. It is the military model of domination. A rather clear sign of such authority is the threat of or use of a weapon. The weapon might be a fist or a gun. It could be a knife or a tongue sharpened like one. Whatever its shape, … Continue reading “Models of Authority”
Fertility
Fertility is one meaning of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is recognized in the sash tied across Mary’s waist indicating she is pregnant. Mary’s feast fits well as a celebration during the Advent season when we are all awaiting new life. The feast celebrates the pregnant Mary’s fruitful appearance to a poor … Continue reading “Fertility”
Kings
Jesus is no king. Kings however, would like us to believe he is. The king of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, instituted a feast day in 1925 proclaiming Jesus a king. Pope Pius XI did so in an attempt to encourage disciples to transcend earthly kings and the nationalism they were ratcheting up in … Continue reading “Kings”
Courage
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”
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”
Vocation
Jesus says in Sunday’s Gospel: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” Disciples hear Jesus calling us to follow him by creating communion among people torn apart by divisive identities, by witnessing love to those who promote anger as righteous or just, and by bringing healing to those who wound … Continue reading “Vocation”
Discipleship
Discipleship, which means to learn, in particular from Jesus, would have us relating in communion, being nonviolent loving persons, and expressing creative healing power. All three qualities were Jesus’ most consistent and significant witness. In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus is again giving witness to these ingredients and encouraging disciples to do their best to exhibit them. … Continue reading “Discipleship”