The first reading today comes from the Book of Ruth, named for the Moabite woman who commits herself to the Israelite people by an oath to her mother-in-law Naomi and becomes the great-grandmother of David by marriage to Boaz of Bethlehem. Thus she is an ancestor in the messianic line that leads to Jesus (cf. Matthew 1:5, the genealogy). Continue reading
The first reading today is from the Book of Judges and is a marvelous parable for its time in Israel’s history. Please take a moment to read the verses known as the Parable of the Trees. Continue reading
Yesterday I was invited to preside at an interment of one of our parishioners. Jack was a long-time parishioner, active in several ministries, and was a retired US Air Force Colonel. His burial was at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The tradition includes a procession of cars from the Administration Building (with very nice family waiting rooms) to a “transfer point” where we met the marching band and the honor guard. Continue reading
In today’s gospel we have the famous expression: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God” It is a continuation of the encounter with the rich young man of yesterday’s gospel. In other form, the expression also appears in the Jewish Talmud and in Qur’an 7:40: “Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them – the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel enters into the eye of a needle.” Continue reading
In the gospel for today, I always wonder how much to make of the description of the one who questions Jesus as being “a young man.” There are a number of things one could say about this passage that having nothing to do with the questioner’s age. The question reveals a fundamental human concern: the pursuit of eternal life or spiritual salvation asked in earnest by someone who is genuinely seeking to understand the path to salvation. Perhaps his use of “gain” and his positive response about the commandments reflects a belief that righteous actions alone can secure eternal life. But these could be asked by someone of any age. In any case, Jesus calls him to radical discipleship, challenging the man to go beyond rule-following and embrace a more profound, sacrificial commitment. The man “went away sad” as he realized that was a bridge too far. He lacked a willingness to prioritize God above all else. Continue reading
Not that we drop cats for experimental purposes, but in the course of life the average person has witnessed the phenomena. Did you ever wonder at the physics of why free falling cats land on their feet? Probably not, but then you can read this blog for the every-now-and-again post of things scientific. Continue reading
From the good people at Merriam-Webster: “Inkling refers to a slight, uncertain idea about something, or to a slight amount of knowledge about something.” Do you have an inkling of the origin of the word? Continue reading
In today’s gospel we witness this encounter with Jesus: 18:21 Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”22 Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
One should note that the passage begins with the same sense as 18:15 – a brother or sister has sinned against another member of the community. In this case, however, the person listened to the individual, group or the church and (presumably is seeking reconciliation) – but what is this is a recidivist person, continually seeking reconciliation for the same transgression. How many times should such a person be forgiven? Once again Peter serves as the spokesman for the group and gives what he imagines to be conventional or perhaps a very generous answer to his own question: seven times. Continue reading
From an interesting article that passed through my inbox. You are probably familiar with the term “Roger that.” It was a staple of truckers on their CB radios, kids playing back and forth with walkie-talkies, or even face to face. The expression means acknowledgement and confirmation. But do you know its origin? Continue reading
It has been six years since the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA. Say what you will about the intent, purpose or goal of the rally organizers or opponents – we know what unfolded then and all that has unfolded since. It just seems like there is a lot going on that brings us face-to-face with the choice between hope and despair. Continue reading
friarmusings 