Jesus tells of a Pharisee who has the habit of going up “to the Temple area to pray.” He feels at home there but will not extend that feeling to another who has joined him. For, while there, the Pharisee’s prayer habit is to insult and ostracize those he judges as not belonging there with … Continue reading “Habits of the Home”
Tag: prayer
The Challenge to Change Society
The Old Testament reading from Isaiah concerns the people’s infidelity. There is a question as to whether or not they can change and be faithful, especially in times of trial? One voice affirms that ability, “I have not rebelled, I have not turned back.” Personal encouragement to change in order to be faithful, especially in … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Society”
Balanced Lives
One of Jesus’ new disciples, Peter, has a sick mother-in-law. Jesus goes to her and heals her of a fever. Emerging from her solitude of suffering, she immediately begins to be of service to those in her home. When others learn Jesus healed her, it is written, “the whole town was at the door.” Jesus … Continue reading “Balanced Lives”
The Life-Blood of Prayer
Jesus is here to change the world. Are we? Do we think he or we should be up to something less? Change is powered by prayer. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells of a widow who will not be wearied by an unjust judge. Be persistent, “pray always.” we can be in communion with Real … Continue reading “The Life-Blood of Prayer”
Teach Us to Pray
Jesus’ early disciples, as we meet them in the Gospel, are all adults. They include fishermen, homemakers, and tax collectors. They have learned trades and disciplines. They have also learned who God is and how to pray from their religious rulers. There is much they know. Then Jesus comes along. They do not entirely know … Continue reading “Teach Us to Pray”
Reflecting or Reacting
Jesus is, like most of his contemporaries, marginalized – politically, financially, and theologically. He is not, however ,powerless. One aspect of Jesus’ power is demonstrated by his empowering others. He encourages people to create with their brothers and sisters a new politics (care), a new economy (share), and a new theology (dare). After sending out … Continue reading “Reflecting or Reacting”
Bringing People to Prayer
Prayer is the loving communion we all share with divine power. Jesus tells a parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector in this Sunday’s Gospel to exemplify loving communion. The parable shows the difference between his own witness of prayer and that of hierarchs like the Pharisee. It was the difference between loving communion … Continue reading “Bringing People to Prayer”
Pesky Widows
Pesky widows are a power to be reckoned with. I know. I had a pesky widow for a mother. Jesus’ choice of a pesky widow with a legal concern in this Sunday’s parable lauding prayer is intriguing. Jesus reverses the Old Testament reading lauding prayer. Moses, a man and a warrior, is praying for victory … Continue reading “Pesky Widows”
Prayer
Prayer is a routine and vital ingredient of Jesus’ life. The Gospel shows Jesus frequently going off to be alone in prayer. It also shows him frequently teaching the disciples how to pray. This Sunday’s Gospel has a few such teachings and includes Jesus’ simple yet profound and indeed revolutionary prayer to Abba. Jesus’ revelation … Continue reading “Prayer”