This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Luke 15:1-10. The English Standard Version supplies the selection with two headings. The first heading, for verses 1-7, is “The Parable of the Lost Sheep.” The second heading, for verses 8-10, is “The Parable of the Lost Coin.” I used to think the first story is absurd. …
God’s Relentless Pursuit: Lessons from the Rich Shepherd and the Poor Widow Read More »
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Luke 14:25-33. The English Standard Version supplies the heading “The Cost of Discipleship.” Luke introduces the story by telling us that great crowds joined Jesus. Today, when we think of crowds, we think of stadiums; sports; bands; protests. Security issues. Success. Success is what lead singers, politicians, …
Did Jesus really say Christians must hate their families? Read More »
The story unfolds in occupied territory, like Malaya during the Japanese occupation from 1941-1945. Occupation rulers feel especially insecure because they’re foreigners. If they feel threatened, they will act. Quickly.
The sabbath was a distinguishing marker for the Jews – it’s a day of rest, a day for re-centring on God by reading his word, remembering why he made people, and how he relates to us.
Image credit: Barbara Schwarz OP This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Luke 13:10-17. The English Standard Version supplies the passage with the title “A Woman with a Disabling Spirit.” J B Phillips, in his paraphrase, supplies the title “Jesus reduces the Sabbatarians to silence.”[1] Sabbatarians are people who maintain that we must do …
Why did Jesus straighten a bent over woman in a synagogue on the day of rest? Read More »
Pastor Hsi (1836-1896) was born in Shanxi, China. He was born into wealth. His father and grandfather were scholars. They also compounded herbs to treat ailments. They handed down recipes from generation to generation. Hsi took the name “Sheng Mo” when he was baptized. Sheng Mo means demon slayer. Hsi was very intelligent. He studied …
Pastor Hsi: A Beacon of Hope in 19th Century China Read More »
Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati (1858-1922) was an Indian social reformer and Christian missionary. Almost everything I say about her can be found in her own writings. Ramabai is one of my heroes of faith. Let me just add that I was once a “Hindu,” by which I mean I used to practice one of the forms …
Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati: A Beacon of Hope and Change Read More »
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Luke 12:49-56. The English Standard Version supplies verses 49-53 with the heading “Not Peace, but Division,” and the heading “Interpreting the Time,” for verses 54-56. Harmony is the condition of being at peace. Thinking about harmony helps us understand what the passage tells us Jesus said. Harmony …
They say these verses require that followers of Jesus must live under the same roof and share everything with one another.
The story must be read as part of a long sermon which begins at 12:1 and ends at 13:9.
The story must be read in the light of the eschaton, the final events in God’s plan for the world.
The story must be read as part of teaching about the difference between those who serve God and neighbour and those who serve themselves.
But Jesus answered the disciples request for a “boundary-marking prayer” by offering them a “life-shaping prayer.” Properly used,
The Lord’s prayer erases things in us.
The Lord’s prayer engraves things in us.
The Lord’s prayer leads us to embrace others.
The Lord’s prayer energizes us.
