The Law of Children

Keepers of religious law aren’t much interested in entertaining brand new mission and vision statements. From the legal pads under their arms, the puzzle questions on their lips, and a growing paranoia that their way of doing things was being challenged, the leaders of the institution quizzed Jesus about the law. For those who have […]

A Scandalous Thing

A forever life is offered in this week’s gospel passage* by the young rebel rabbi. He calls himself “The Bread of Life,” saying, “The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self.” The people around him are taken aback, to put it mildly, and […]

Broken Hearted

Who hasn’t been desperate for healing or peace? A theological quandary isn’t presented here, nor a puzzle of a parable to unfold or unwind. It doesn’t ask a question that requires a response…not a command in need of heeding. This is a feeling story. Listen to what happens in his body. The breaking of his […]

The Teacher and the Tempest

Mark 4:35-41 Jesus had been teaching by the sea, telling stories about lights hidden under baskets, scattering seeds, and the way in which they best grow. After the lessons, he told his students, “let’s cross over to the farthest shore.” Enough stories for now. The hearers are sated from his rich and mysterious words, yet […]