Faith is generally understood as believing in a Supreme Being, and, perhaps, believing that because of our faith, that Supreme Being will do something for us. The prophet Habakkuk, in this Sunday’s first reading, has such faith and believes his Lord will do something for him, “O Lord, … I cry out to you.” The … Continue reading “Have We Done What We Were Obliged To Do?”
Tag: war
Life after Death
Jesus’ heart is moved with compassion when he encounters a widow whose only son has just died. It is usually the case that people plead with Jesus, especially for healing. In this case, it is not words but the mother’s tears that form her plea and Jesus responds. He is touched by her grief, moved … Continue reading “Life after Death”
Who Do We Remember?
Pentecost for peacemakers is easily contrasted with Militarism’s Memorial Day for citizens. On Pentecost, peacemakers remember Jesus was always bringing people together; sharing diversity, compassion, and friendship with people. On Memorial Day, citizens remember warriors who are always being pitted against other people; coercing tribalism, fighting, and being killed and/or killing opponents. Citizens are perpetual … Continue reading “Who Do We Remember?”
Rule
Believers in the devil, some of whom call themselves Christian, think the creature has dominion over the earth. This Sunday’s Gospel proves it is not a Christian/Christ-like belief. Jesus says, “now the ruler of this world will be driven out.” If errant christians accept it is a reference to Satan being driven out by Jesus, … Continue reading “Rule”
Baptism: Immersion in Water, Spirit, or Blood
This Sunday’s Gospel describes John’s water baptism of repentance, and the deity who seemingly requires it. The Gospel also describes John’s baptism being transcended. Humanity is invited instead into an immersion in Jesus’ revelation of Divinity as a gentle Spirit; peaceful and loving: “the Spirit, like a dove, descended upon Jesus: And a voice came … Continue reading “Baptism: Immersion in Water, Spirit, or Blood”
Honor
The Gospel writer Matthew twice feels the need to ascribe honor to Jesus related to his birth. Matthew first ascribes honor by assigning a royal blood line to Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus back to the warrior King David. Oddly enough, he traces that blood line through Joseph, a man Matthew himself believed was not Jesus’ … Continue reading “Honor”
Abundant Life
Jesus spent his life in nature. He consistently identified with nature. He used nature in his parables. He used it for metaphors when teaching people about life. Jesus is speaking about nature, sheep and shepherds specifically, and about life in general this Sunday when he says, “A thief comes only to … destroy; I came … Continue reading “Abundant Life”
Decisiveness
Decisiveness attracts us. We like its energy. We admire its strength. We’re drawn to people who exhibit it, especially in times of crisis. Even if the decision made is horrendous, we find ourselves holding the decider in high regard. For example, U.S. citizens reacted so to George Bush’s decision to invade Iraq after the Saudi’s … Continue reading “Decisiveness”
Independence From Violence
Independence from violence is the life witness of those who follow Jesus. In this Sunday’s Gospel, James and John are not yet giving witness to following Jesus. Samaritans have rejected Jesus. James and John want to “rain down fire” upon the Samaritans. Jesus rebukes both saying, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you … Continue reading “Independence From Violence”
Rejecting Warmaking, Accepting Peacemaking
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14:27) Jesus authored for the world a peace entirely unlike that proselytized by the world’s militaries. The military believes in peace, through violence. Jesus’ early followers gave witness to the difference between … Continue reading “Rejecting Warmaking, Accepting Peacemaking”