Luke’s Epilogue to his gospel—the amazing Emmaus Road journey—culminates with the scattered, traumatized community of Jesus-followers regathering at a Jerusalem safe house, still trying to reckon with the execution of their rabbi (Lk 24:33-47). There, the beleaguered disciples must struggle with an even more shocking prospect, both joyful and astonishing, as the Risen Christ…
On this day, many Christians ritually perform mutual foot washing, after the example of Jesus in John 13:1-12. It is powerful theater, which means to deconstruct hierarchy and division. There is a very different tradition about foot washing in Luke 7:36-50, which is also a demonstration of solidarity that subverts patriarchy, invisibility and domination. Unfortunately,…
The post discusses Palm Sunday as a significant closure to Lent, emphasizing its historical and contemporary implications of public liturgy for justice in society. It reflects on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem as subversive against occupying powers and shares modern practices of reclaiming Palm Sunday through public demonstrations and calls for social justice.
The gospel reading of the Prodigal Son illustrates contrasting economic concepts of reciprocity. The story exemplifies generalized reciprocity’s generosity compared to the balanced reciprocity of the firstborn son. Such dynamics reflect ancient economic practices, emphasizing cooperation and sharing that dominate traditional societies, offering insights into Jesus’s economic teachings.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day. In lieu of posting a blog last week, we sent out a regional email inviting SoCal folks to our upcoming book party on April 5th at All Saints Episcopal Church Pasadena. If you’re anywhere in striking distance, please join us (details on the front page of this site). So here…
Today is Ash Wednesday. Since the Thomas Fire of 2017 in our bioregion, we have used ashes from our beloved Grandmother Oak to symbolize the invitation to personal and political repentance. Some friends in Pasadena are doing the same in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire two months ago. May our Lenten journey help us…
In the Year C lectionary, Mark Scibilia-Carver writes, “many years do not have a 7th Sunday in Epiphany because Lent intervenes too early. But this year it is included, and the Gospel reading is Luke 6:27-38. This contains the second and third instances of Jesus’ imperatives to ‘love your enemies,’ …
Note: Our “Detox on President’s Day” free webinar is coming up on Mon, Feb 17, 4:30-6 pm PST. Ched will talk about Healing Affluenza and interview Chuck Collins of inequality.org. Chuck (right) is the foremost critic of plutocracy in the U.S., and wrote the Foreword to HARP (he’ll talk about his new book too!) Register…
Note: Our “Detox on President’s Day” free webinar is less than two weeks way (to make up for our postponed book party J)! On Mon, Feb 17, 4:30-6 pm PST, Ched will talk about Healing Affluenza and interview Chuck Collins of inequality.org. Chuck (right) is the foremost critic of plutocracy in the U.S., and wrote…
Jesus’ introduces his public ministry in synagogues on the Sabbath (Lk 4:14-16), in order to engage the spiritual heart of his place and people. Preaching matters!
This inaugural sermon stretches out over two Sundays in Epiphany