Worse than seeing something dead, I hate to see a living thing suffer. I also hate to see something dead whose death could have been prevented or who suffered death due to an unnatural encounter with human beings or human structures: like animals who meet...
On March 16th, I read these words spoken by Jesus, recorded by Luke in chapter 13 verse 35b “And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the...
We are in the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary in Bethany. And in case we hadn’t heard, Lazarus has become famous for being raised from the dead. And as I have mentioned before, there are some who wish to silence his amazing testimony forever...
The introduction to this parable describes the fact that there are two groups present: tax collectors and sinners on the one hand, Pharisees and scribes on the other. Tax collectors and sinners represent the younger brother Pharisees and scribes, the older one. All persons mentioned share...
According to a volume specifically on Luke from a set of books entitled Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Cyril of Alexandria, Augustine, Ephrem the Syrian, and a Commentary on Titian’s Diatessaron help to provide insight on several aspects of this passage. Before Pilate and Herod...
Jesus frames time and the activities therein using three qualifiers: today, tomorrow and the day that follows. Today, tomorrow and the day after that comprise the extent of his concern for now. What is of utmost significance must take place in order. His workload entails casting...
Temptation and trials are times not only of testing, but of preparation. They are necessary exercises during which individuals establish their identity and confirm their character. But who wants to go through such times? No one. Yet we do and Jesus did. When scripture says, “Being...
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the...
What is the formula offered in scripture this morning for the preservation of life, or of peace among brethren, for circumstances which will help humankind avoid starvation and poverty? The formula begins with one party putting immediate effort into one aim without delay. That aim...
Think of today’s gospel passage as a grand awards ceremony much like the Oscars, Golden Globes, or Academy Awards. It’s an incredible setting. Everyone who’s anyone is there. Did you notice the red carpet and stage backdrop, the ambiance of the setting? How about the...