Nicodemus risks seeing Jesus to ask about his Way. Nicodemus is a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin. Their way is to oppose Jesus and they claim the right to condemn. Jesus tells Nicodemus, “God so loved the world as to give the fully begotten One… not to condemn the world, but that the world might … Continue reading “Indigenous Risks”
Tag: U.S. Empire
Consistent Ethic of Life: Peacemaking
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert.” “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached” Jesus to forsake his peacemaking mission from the Spirit. Jesus refused, including the last to rule the world, “the devil… showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world… “All these … Continue reading “Consistent Ethic of Life: Peacemaking”
How Shall We Ever Weary of War When It Is So Entertaining?
The readings this Sunday share a theme of weariness. We ourselves might feel weary reading about yet another Old Testament War Lord, Moses, who fends off weariness so his warriors can fight in yet another war and steal what they can. Jesus too attempts to fend off weariness but in disciples so they can persevere … Continue reading “How Shall We Ever Weary of War When It Is So Entertaining?”
Saying No to Fools and Yes to Wisdom
Jesus tells a story showing how the “Kingdom of God will be like women who took their lamps and went out to meet a bridegroom.” But the bridegroom “was long delayed.” Some women were wise and had brought “flasks of oil.” Others were “foolish” and “brought no oil with them.” The fools demand of the … Continue reading “Saying No to Fools and Yes to Wisdom”
The Old and The New
Jesus has been telling people terrorized by Empire, both David’s and Caesar’s, parables about the Community of God. The Community of God is described as a treasure, a fine pearl, a net and thus surprising, joyful, fulfilling. Upon concluding all the parables Jesus says, “Every scribe who has been instructed in the Community of God … Continue reading “The Old and The New”
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”
Whose Kingdom?
Is the Kingdom of God Jesus is describing and establishing here on earth a treasure; is it a pearl of great price, maybe a net, or perhaps a person caring for a home – and how is it so? It is all and more and each of Jesus’ metaphors is worthy of its own considerable … Continue reading “Whose Kingdom?”
Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?
Dear Evangelicals, When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, you were all in one [palace] together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving [spin], and it filled the entire [white]house in which you were. Then there appeared to you [glory] as of fire, which parted and came to rest … Continue reading “Whose Language Do Evangelical Imperialists Speak?”
Orphaned Jesus
Jesus knows his suffering and death are approaching and he is saying good bye to disciples. He promises to return as an Advocating Spirit, “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.” The practice of reaching out to child orphans was one of the starkest counter-cultural practices of Jesus’ first followers. A … Continue reading “Orphaned Jesus”
Are We Domesticated or Wild?
This Sunday’s Gospel opens by identifying the terrorist leaders of the Roman Empire. The Empire is topped by Caesar who controls two trained underlings in Palestine, Pilate and Herod. The Roman Empire, like all empires, including the U.S. Empire, terrorizes common people. Those terrorized include common people of the ruler’s own land, as well as … Continue reading “Are We Domesticated or Wild?”