This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder John 10:11-18. The English Standard Version translation supplies the passage with the title “I am the Good Shepherd.” The word “shepherd” is used often in the Bible. It’s used for God, for leaders, rulers, pastors. In the passage, John tells us that division followed after Jesus explained […]
Jesus caused division. How about us? Read More »
Recently, education minister Fadhlina Sidek drew flak from the Mufti of Perlis when she said she had restricted the use of the word “kafir” by her children. The Mufti criticized her, saying she shouldn’t limit the use of a word used by Allah in the Koran (link). According to a report in FMT, Fadhlina clarified
If Kafir isn’t ok, how about Heathen? Read More »
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Luke 24:36b-48. The English Standard Version supplies the passage with the title “Jesus Appears to His Disciples.” It also supplies headings to the preceding passages in the chapter. The headings are “The Resurrection” and “On the Road to Emmaus.” In my column “The fish, the water, and
Why did Jesus eat the fish? Are there toilets in heaven? Read More »
In recent weeks, Malaysia has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding socks printed with the word “Allah.” This seemingly innocuous product has sparked heated debates, protests, and even acts of violence. As tensions rise, it is crucial for non-Muslims to approach this issue with sensitivity and understanding. Let us delve into the complexities and implications
Understanding the “Allah Socks” issue in Malaysia: A call for compassion and awareness Read More »
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to ponder verses 12-31 from chapter 20 of the gospel of John. The English Standard version splits the passage into three parts and supplies the headings: (1) Jesus Appears to the Disciples; (2) Jesus and Thomas; and (3) The Purpose of this Book. We learn that after Jesus was
Jesus wished them peace in their terror Read More »
This Sunday we’ll celebrate Easter, the day the disciples discovered Jesus had been raised from the dead. The lectionary invites us to ponder Mark 16:1-8. The English Standard Version supplies the passage with the title “The Resurrection.” It tells us: Two nights passed after Jesus had died and was placed in a tomb. On Sunday,
The fish, the water, and the resurrection Read More »
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to consider John 12:20-43. The English Standard Version breaks the text into three portions and supplies them with the headings: “Some Greeks Seek Jesus,”[1] “The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up,”[2] and “The Unbelief of the People”[3]. The first portion tells of some Greeks[4] who’d come to Jerusalem
The forgotten Greeks and the glorified Jesus Read More »
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Mark 10:35-45. The English Standard Version supplies the passage with the title “The request of James and John.” The Message translation titles it “The Highest Places of Honour.” In verse 32, Mark tells us that Jesus headed purposefully towards Jerusalem, and that the twelve disciples he had
A good leader spends himself Read More »
On Sunday, the lectionary invited us to reflect on the gospel according to John chapter 3, verses 14-21. These verses are the back end of John’s report of a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. John tells us that Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews. And that he came to Jesus “by night,” out of
The Serpent, the Son, and Nicodemus Read More »
Then God said [to Abraham] “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” Genesis 22: 2 This is one story that I have much trouble with. Why would God
Faith … The trouble with the Aqedah.[1] Read More »
