“In those days, the LORD said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave,” I am set to “wipe out the place.” Abraham begs his Lord, “Will you spare the place for the sake of the innocent?… if there are fifty,” “forty,” “ten?” Unfortunately, Abraham learned the Lord will … Continue reading “Sensible Gun Control”
Tag: police
DeMoralize the Police
Jesus addresses disciples, “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Jesus’ address is often called the ‘The Great Commission.’ Persons he has helped shape as peacemakers are sent out to give authoritative witness to the Way of communion, love, and … Continue reading “DeMoralize the Police”
Killing Fields or Fruitful Fields?
Jesus tells a parable about people in a vineyard who go on a killing spree. They “seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned.” “They treated (others) in the same way.” Then, “when they saw the son, they said, “Come, let us kill him.” The men kill because … Continue reading “Killing Fields or Fruitful Fields?”
Rejected Testimony
Throughout his life Jesus gives testimony to a peaceful Way. His testimony was consistently rejected by the rulers of his time; so much so they put him to death. This Sunday’s Gospel shows that Jesus’ community accepted his testimony, in life and in life after life. Thus, as people received Jesus in life so they … Continue reading “Rejected Testimony”
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”
Together
Pentecost highlights Jesus’ impact on people’s sense of public place. Hierarchs – Roman officials and soldiers, high priests and Pharisees – forcibly controlled the place commoners were allowed to occupy in public life, if any. Hierarchs thus limited people’s ability to effect change. At Pentecost different people came together as one in public space. People … Continue reading “Together”
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”