Numbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Today’s absolutely rich scripture lessons lead me to one thought: How easy it is to jump right into the argument about who has the right to be officially considered a prophet or a fellow-worker with Jesus and who is excluded. It’s a credentials dispute. We set up “sides,” like at a high… read more →
WIS 2:12, 17-20; PS 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8; JAS 3:16—4:3; MK 9:30-37 At every turn, there’s conflict. Turmoil. Cravings gone awry. In today’s readings. On the road with Jesus and his disciples. On our everyday roads, as well. Pick up a newspaper. Watch the news. What do we see? What do we hear? Conflict. Turmoil. Cravings gone awry. On a train in France,… read more →
Isaiah 50:5-9a, James 2:14-18 and Mark 8:27-35 Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ!” This Gospel and today’s reading from James remind us that, followers of Jesus do not just say who he is but act like him! Peter missed that. And Peter did not want Jesus to suffer. None of us… read more →
Isaiah 35: 4-7a, Mark 7: 31-37 The prophet Isaiah hundreds of years, before the birth of Jesus Christ, describes the ancient Israelites’ understanding of their God. Isaiah in all its beauty and compassion might surprise some Christian listeners who may tend to see the God of the Old Testament as a harsh judge. We often hear that, don’t we? “The… read more →