“Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one.” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, angry men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a deadly disease like the coronavirus. Some centuries back, the people of Italy … Continue reading “Nursing Courage”
Tag: soldiers
A Red Flag
Jesus is telling the crowds, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Those listening quarrel at the thought. Who would not put up a red flag after that? A red flag is used to warn of danger. When Jesus speaks of … Continue reading “A Red Flag”
Friends and Enemies
Jesus was targeted as an enemy by rulers and executed. His friends are shocked and depressed by his murder. They are not, however, angry vowing payback nor riled up plotting revenge. Nothing in the behavior of disciples shows a targeting of enemies. Their friend Jesus then returns in the Resurrection. They enjoy 40 more days … Continue reading “Friends and Enemies”
What Is Our Quest?
“All the chief priests and the elders took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.” “After Pilate had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to soldiers to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor… stripped off his clothes and … Continue reading “What Is Our Quest?”
Dying While We Are Still Alive
Jesus is summoned for a sick friend but upon arriving “found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” When Jesus tells Lazarus’ sister, Martha, “Your brother will rise,” she mistakenly thinks Jesus means a “resurrection on the last day.” He does not. Together they go to the tomb where Jesus “cried … Continue reading “Dying While We Are Still Alive”
Led By The Spirit
“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” Jesus is led away from family, friends, even physical sustenance and he is hungry. Yet Jesus has been led by the Spirit to this … Continue reading “Led By The Spirit”
Stop Supporting the Troops
Abram in the Old Testament is set to wage war. He “mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Retainers are armed soldiers, men born into debt/slavery to a tribal warlord, and used as troops. Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, … Continue reading “Stop Supporting the Troops”
Slaves, Prostitutes, Soldiers
Disciples are alive with the Spirit of the Risen Christ. They are giving witness to a free and revolutionary way that disturbs the system and those who arrange for its undisturbed dominance. Those dominating the system during Jesus’ time included the Sanhedrin, rabbis who ruled ancient Israel. When Jesus’ peaceful revolution started disturbing those rulers, … Continue reading “Slaves, Prostitutes, Soldiers”
Being There
Mary is there at the cross, filled with shock and sorrow. She is there at the tomb also, filled with gloom and grief. She has seen her friend, Jesus, brutally tortured and murdered. She now sees “the stone removed from the tomb.” Knowing Jesus is horribly and certainly dead, she begins to wonder, ‘Where have … Continue reading “Being There”
Courage of Christ, Cowardice of Soldiers
Jesus’ Golden Rule from today’s Gospel, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” is compared with Buddhism’s “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find harmful.” It is also compared with Judaism’s “What is hateful to you do not do to your fellow man.” There is another ‘rule’ of … Continue reading “Courage of Christ, Cowardice of Soldiers”