An unnamed, lonely, widowed, poor woman is the last character Jesus encounters in Mark’s gospel, the humblest teacher. Jesus has always shown a particular fondness for single women. They belong to the biblical triad of the defenseless: widows, orphans, and strangers. God always intervenes and stands up for them: “They are mine!” They teach without…
A Scribe asked: Which is the greatest commandment? How can I simplify God’s wishes? Jesus answered with quick heavenly wisdom using a word not among the commandments. Jesus, with a non-conformist intelligence, is the most limpid icon of freedom and imagination. The answer begins with a verb: you shall love! In future tense, indicating an…
In previous weeks, we heard Gospels about division, money worship, and people thirsting for power. Everyone held on to something like life rafts while their lives were sinking in greed. On this occasion, Jesus passes by Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. He needs to rush before dusk falls. As he tries to leave Jericho…
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, followed by the twelve. In the Lord’s mind, it’s crystal clear that the leaders who harassed him during his public Galilee ministry will now try to entrap him during his obligated pilgrimage for the feast of Passover. The disciples, still like spiritual infants, have no idea; instead, they…
Jesus is out on the road, his favorite place to see God at work when anyone crosses his path or waits for him at the route’s turn. Jesus is a master who teaches the art of encounter. Behold, an unidentified person rushing to meet him as if hurrying to catch a breath. “Good Master,” he…
During their journey to the promised land, the people in the wilderness complained about the food, weather, their companions, spouses, and even Moses. In his wisdom, Moses composed rules to set community boundaries, achieve peace, and avoid conflict by allowing males to reject their partners. Twelve hundred years later, the Pharisees sought Jesus’ interpretation of…
John, the beloved disciple, the fine theologian, “the son of thunder,” a man with so much Godly potential, still reacts like a child of a small heart when bitten by jealousy. Master, an outsider works miracles in your name but is not enrolled in our group. He is improving people’s lives but is perhaps inexperienced…
Jesus’ unexpected announcement of his impending death shocked the disciples, grappling with why and what would happen to them afterward. The disciples quietly contemplate candidates for the position. Jesus demonstrates masterful handling of relationships by not rebuking, judging, or accusing but instead presenting a strategy for educating. Jesus reveals his infallible method: ‘The first shall…
After blessing Israel with numerous miracles while facing opposition from the leaders, Jesus wanted to hear the opinions and perceptions of the crowds. He turned to his disciples, who walked with him, to voice what they heard on the margins. Who do people say I am? This poll determines whether people’s hearts can perceive God’s…
They brought a deaf-mute to Jesus. He was a prisoner of silence, living without words, lullabies, or music, but he had a circle of friends who cared for him and looked for things that made him better; they led him to Jesus. Healing begins when someone puts his hand to the very human art of…