Abram believes a deity has given him “land as a possession.” Paul believes his deity does not desire “minds occupied with earthly things,” rather, our “citizenship is in heaven.” After witnessing Jesus’ glowing Transfiguration, Peter desires possession of both, land on earth for shrines to heaven, “let us make three tents, one for you, one … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Possession”
Tag: possession
Elder Esteem
Why does Jesus tell followers to lessen esteem for their parents? In today’s Gospel he says, “If anyone comes to me without hating father and mother…they cannot be my disciple.” Jesus is undoing the esteem given for worldly position. Unfortunately, Paul, in the second reading reasserts such esteem and thus reasserts its patriarchy and slavery. … Continue reading “Elder Esteem”
Convulsing an Adversary
Jesus starts his public ministry by reaching out to people and teaching them. They are impressed, to say the least, “The people are astonished at Jesus’ teaching, for he teaches them as one having authority and not as their rulers.” Jesus also begins reaching out to people and healing them. In one encounter a man … Continue reading “Convulsing an Adversary”
Possession
Possession is of central importance in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus heals a possessed man and people are astonished at his authority to do so. Commentators on this and other Gospel stories of possession sometimes alter or dismiss the possession element. They suggest possession is a misunderstanding of mental illness. However, possession may in fact be … Continue reading “Possession”