  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…
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…
On February 17, 2025, we hosted the “Detox on President’s Day” webinar featuring Ched Myers discussing his book, Healing Affluenza and Resisting Plutocracy, alongside an interview with Chuck Collins, a prominent critic of plutocracy. Cover artist Ted Lyddon Hatten also shared insights about the book’s artwork.
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
Ched’s new book is now out! However, in respect for the huge losses and trauma from the Los Angeles fires this month (see more below), we have moved our launch party back: from Feb 15th to Saturday, April 5th.
The fact that Trump’s inauguration will take place on Jan 20th—the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday—is a clear indicator of how confused and conflicted this country is (see a concise commentary by the Boggs Center’s Shea Howell here). So on this January 15th (the actual birthday of our country’s greatest prophet), I’ll offer a few thoughts on the problem of plutocracy in this Second Gilded Age.
Luke’s Nativity Story. I call Luke 1–2 a prelude instead of a prologue because of how the Nativity drama is composed around three canticles: Mary’s “Magnificat” (1:46–55); Zechariah’s “Benedictus” (1:68–79); and Simeon’s “Nunc Dimittis” (2:29–32). The long tradition of singing carols during Advent and Christmas is rooted singularly in Luke’s narrative.Â