Jeremiah (31:31-34), knows that the relationship to God has been ruptured. The people are not living in harmony with God. The ever-faithful God promises a new covenant. The new covenant will not be written on stone. It will be written on the fleshy hearts of people. They will know God and God’s ways. They will live in union with and in harmony with the Creator. Continue reading
The Israelites’ original concept of the messiah was one who would restore the glory days of the Davidic dynasty. By Jesus’ day, many expected a mighty warrior king, like David, who would deliver them from Roman oppression. Jesus eschewed military overthrow of the Romans by his life style. His injunction to peter, “Put away your sword,” is a clear indication that Jesus was rejecting violence. Continue reading
Sculpture at Church of the Visitation, Ein Karem
Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth
This text from Isaiah has been a source of controversy among the Christian churches. It all hinges on the original word which meant young woman. It came to be translated virgin. Originally, Isaiah 7 (10-14; 8-10) was not a prediction of the future. It was a statement that a young woman (almah) would bring forth a son who would be “God with us.” This was to happen within the Davidic dynasty. Continue reading
Farmworker Camp Immokalee, FL
In 2 Chronicles (36:14-16, 19-23) we have an account of the destruction of the Temple, the captivity in Babylon, and Cyrus allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple. The view that God directly punishes people for their sins comes from a less developed view of God. This tribal God has compassion but it only goes so far. Then, the people will pay the consequences of their infidelity. This view will evolve with Jesus who shows us the infinite, unlimited compassion of God.
The nonviolent God of Jesus is with all people not just a chosen few. The God of Jesus is present to each of us in our daily lives, in season and out of season, in the good and the bad. In faith, we learn to trust in God. We learn to hope in God. We learn to love God and one another. Continue reading
Hungry Children in Nicaragua
STS_119 Launch March 15
Feed the hungry? Clothe the naked? Shelter the homeless? Educate the children? Provide health care for those who need it?
Ex 20:1-17 is one account of the commandments which Yahweh (the LORD), the tribal god of Israel, gave to Moses. Not that the true God was ever just a tribal god. God is beyond all human conceptualization and our consciousness of God has developed over time.
Church of the Transfiguration
(Gen 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18) Abraham heard God’s call and was willing to sacrifice Isaac; however, God intervened once God saw Abraham’s obedience. This is a fireside story about Abraham’s great faith. It is also a story telling the Israelites not to engage in child sacrifice like some of their neighbors. We know in the fullness of God’s revelation that the sacrifice God wants is humble and contrite hearts. Hearts ready to love God and love other people. Continue reading
In Lv. 19:1-2, 11-18, Yahweh gives his people their marching orders. Everything is based on the fact that God is God and that the people are to fear God—tremble before the glory and power of God. [I use Yahweh advisedly because that is the name God gave and the circumlocution—Lord—according to Fr. Roger Karban, a scripture scholar, was the word for Ba’al. I am afraid that Rome did not do its homework on the recent injunction regarding the use of this word.] Continue reading