Jesus tells disciples, in the “Community of God” caring for the least is caring for him, “Whatever you did for one of the least of mine, you did for me.” Opponents of Jesus will not care for the least and therefore will not care for Christ Jesus nor Christs throughout history, “When did we see … Continue reading “Christ is Not Liberal”
Tag: politics
The Challenge to Change Our Politics
Is politics a joke? “Mommy, I wanna grow up and become a politician. Well honey, which is it? You can’t do both.” Politics tends to be the rule of the master class and reflects religious nationalism. Sunday’s Old Testament reading shows Jeremiah concerned with politics, but only within the narrow confines of his chosen people, … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Our Politics”
How Aware Am I?
It’s been said there are three types of people in the world. The first type is people who make things happen. The second type is people who watch things happen. The third type is people who wonder, “What happened?” When Jesus identifies some people as goats in this Sunday’s Gospel, he might be explaining that … Continue reading “How Aware Am I?”
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”
Gratitude
Gratitude is showing appreciation, for life in general or for a kindness done to us or a benefit received. A leper shows gratitude in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus comes upon 10 lepers and tells them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” It seems a fool’s errand. Priests do not receive unclean people but are responsible … Continue reading “Gratitude”
Gifts
The gifts of parents, our senses, water, food, and so many other basics are given to us before we are even born. They are available to us even before we are aware of our need for them. All are an indispensable part of our world and we sometimes assume their presence. We do not always … Continue reading “Gifts”
Sin and Forgiveness
The Pharisee in Sunday’s Gospel shows no signs of love nor forgiveness but instead signs of being judgmental and unforgiving. The Pharisee judges a woman who bathes Jesus’ feet with her tears as a sinner, not to be forgiven. The Pharisee does not judge himself a sinner. He judges himself saved and thus not needing … Continue reading “Sin and Forgiveness”