In the Book of Revelation, John of Patmos, is reporting on the persecution and violence experienced by early peacemakers. John exhorts them to keep praying and working for peace. John uses symbolic language that includes war images. He begins by writing of a “rider called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages…
“Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the Scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the market places, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.” The word scribe means “to write,” and signified the man who was the keeper of laws, accounts, and so…
Jesus tells disciples that, like himself, they “do not belong to the world” of rulers. Jesus also tells them truth does not belong to the world of rulers either, so Jesus “consecrates them in truth.” Rulers not being ‘consecrated in truth’ explains Trump’s 30,000+ lies. One type of lie is opinion. Not to be…
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “the light came into the world, but people preferred the darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light, and does not come toward the light, so his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the…
An incredible event is relayed in this Sunday’s Gospel. For some, incredible means ‘miraculous’ but for others it means ‘not credible, unbelievable.’ Jesus, last seen broken and expiring on the cross, appears alive to disciples. They receive it as miraculous. Jesus “stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ……
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus promises the Spirit as a guide to truth. He tells disciples: “The Spirit of Truth will guide you to all truth.” The Spirit of Truth can be distinguished from the Law. Law can consist of doctrine or dogma meaning a set of rules or beliefs held as incontestable. Incontestable…
Jesus’ parables, in addition to being enjoyable and thought provoking, are a means to speak truth to privilege. This Sunday’s parable is one example. It is a long parable that tells a story about invited guests who reject a meal and kill servant messengers. It is basically an account of the destructive history of…
A loving Spirit can guide us throughout our lives. Such a Spirit can especially guide us as peacemakers through conflict. Dirk Willems was guided by such a Spirit, as was Ben Salmon, Medgar Evers, Maura Clark, Jean Donavan, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kozel. Like Jesus, these disciples gave witness to the Spirit of truth.…