“Jesus was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him.” What does it feel like to be a good man and know you are going to be killed? It is so incredibly sad; for a life to be taken and for … Continue reading “They Are Going To Kill Me”
Tag: violence
Stopping the Storm
While the disciples and Jesus were in a boat, a “violent storm came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.” Jesus was asleep. “They woke him… ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! … Continue reading “Stopping the Storm”
Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent
Jesus tells listeners, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not respond violently to one who is violent… You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to … Continue reading “Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent”
Freedom of Expression
In the Old Testament reading, tribal War Lords, earthly ones projected heavenward, want their glory acclaimed by all; “I will send men out to… proclaim my glory among nations.” The War Lords want their believers to “bring all the nations as an offering to the LORD.” Nonbelievers who do not glory in the War Lords … Continue reading “Freedom of Expression”
Lambs Convert Wolves
“At that time Jesus appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him.” “‘Go on your way. Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves… Behold, I have given you power.’” Lambs are gentle and vulnerable. They tend to stay close together, shoulder to shoulder, in a community. We see lambs with shepherds but … Continue reading “Lambs Convert Wolves”
Feast on Spirituality Fast from Religion
The warrior Moses is a member of the religion of Militarism. Militarism lauds warriors and the warrior deity they invent, who, for his Chosen People, inflicts godly suffering on an enemy, and kills them. For example in ordering the sufferings of the Plagues, and killing the enemy’s first born children in the 10th Plague. Members … Continue reading “Feast on Spirituality Fast from Religion”
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”
Musings on Love
Isaiah writes “The LORD goes forth like a warrior, like a man of war he stirs up his fury; He shouts out his battle cry, against his enemies.” John the Baptist heralds Isaiah’s warrior deity and tries to save people from being an enemy to that deity by cleansing people of past sins. John then … Continue reading “Musings on Love”
Being Afraid to Love is the Problem
Rulers judge Jesus is a problem and they target problem people with hostility. Jesus focuses on people as friends and is loving. It is therefore not Jesus nor his disciples who are the problem but rulers and their supporters. Thus, the encounter in today’s Gospel when a ruler, “a scholar of the law, tested” the … Continue reading “Being Afraid to Love is the Problem”
A Pro-Life Christmas: Our Bodies
Advent’s liturgical readings leading up to Jesus’ birth focus less on Mary and more on John the Baptist. Today’s reading on John focuses on how he relates to his body. John subjects his body to austere desert living, withholding basic needs from his body. John’s life style, asceticism, which neither Jesus nor Mary live, values … Continue reading “A Pro-Life Christmas: Our Bodies”