Jesus was “determined to journey to Jerusalem’ and on the way “entered a Samaritan village.” “They would not welcome him.” “When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?’ Jesus turned and rebuked them, and He said, “You do not … Continue reading “A Cache of Life-Giving Energy”
Tag: soldiers
Revelation: Mothers
John of Patmos uses the symbol of a lamb in his Revelation writings. He describes a gathering of peaceful people, “a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue (who) stood before… the lamb… who will shepherd them” John is borrowing the lamb symbol from Jesus who uses it … Continue reading “Revelation: Mothers”
The Universal Soldier
Jesus encourages looking at ourselves truthfully when tempted to be critical of others, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “You hypocrite!” “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s … Continue reading “The Universal Soldier”
Deep Dive Into Militarism’s Toxic Masculinity
“Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch. Simon said in reply, ‘Teacher, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your words I will lower the nets.’ … Continue reading “Deep Dive Into Militarism’s Toxic Masculinity”
Jesus’ Disciples Do Not Fight
Jesus is forced before Pilate who questions Jesus from a War Lord’s point of view, “Your own nation and chief priests handed you over to me.” But Jesus never belonged to their world; it is the same world as Pilate’s. It is a world of fighting. Jesus rejected it to create a world of healing … Continue reading “Jesus’ Disciples Do Not Fight”
Walking Away From War
The Old Testament writes that through the warrior Jacob, the War Lord Yahweh, “has delivered his people,” who will exalt at the head of nations.” “I guide them; I will lead” them and the people will walk in his way. The New Testament reading says “every high priest” offers blood “sacrifices for sins.” He “must … Continue reading “Walking Away From War”
Hail Hale
Jesus tells disciples, “The Son of Man will suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed.” Jesus knows how rulers, sickened with the religion of Militarism, operate. They dominate, abuse, and kill and coerce the soldiers they employ to do the same. Jesus knows they will … Continue reading “Hail Hale”
Mission for All Time
Disciples had been sent on a healing mission by Jesus. After returning they “told him all they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.’ But people were coming in great numbers.” When he “saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with compassion … Continue reading “Mission for All Time”
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’ words are often called the ‘The Great Commission.’ Persons he has helped shape as peacemakers he sends out to give authoritative witness to the Way of communion, love, and … Continue reading “DeMoralize the Police”
Civilians
Jesus calls himself “the Good Shepherd.” He contrasts that witness with a hired man, “A hired man… whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.” Institutional christianity is the hired man in the story above. Who has hired institutional … Continue reading “Civilians”