|
Disturbing thoughts on Jesus, gates and sheep |
|
|
|
|
Written by Brian E Volck
|
|
Friday, 11 April 2008 |
|
John 10:1-10
In preparation for this year’s Triduum, the three solemn days leading into Easter, those in my parish chosen to proclaim scripture were expected to attend at least one group practice session. In that sense, at least, my parish takes “performing the Word” seriously. We received our texts well in advance in order to prepare, and our practice consisted of reading aloud while a woman from the parish, well known for her attentive, moving readings, offered helpful suggestions. One gentleman read a brief excerpt from John 14, including the familiar passage, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” Upon saying these words, our normally laconic coach interrupted, saying, “That’s something I don’t believe by the way. I know Buddhists and Hindus who are far holier than most Christians.”
She spoke with a sense of urgency, as if we desperately needed to be wakened from dogmatic slumbers. I never inquired about the motives behind her micro-lecture; we had much to do that day. It seemed, though, that – for her, at least – John 14:6 admitted but one interpretation, and that so patently false as to demand immediate negation. I’m sure we would have had a rich and profitable conversation had I questioned her then, but the moment passed, and I’m the poorer for my reticence.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 11 April 2008 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Written by Debra Dean Murphy
|
|
Thursday, 10 April 2008 |
|
Psalm 23; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10
“When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4).
Any time sheep are mentioned in the Bible people sometimes go a little soft in the head, inflicting a nursery-rhyme cuteness on stories and images that often have a political, subversive edge. This Sunday’s passage from John’s gospel should give us pause if we are tempted toward such silliness. The text is cryptic, even a little caustic, and it’s not at all about sheep, but about deceivers who pull the wool over the eyes of the unsuspecting.
I Am the Good Shepherd, Lee Hodges, artist
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Easter is no ordinary time |
|
|
|
|
Written by Brian E Volck
|
|
Wednesday, 09 April 2008 |
|
The final chapter in Aidan Kavanaugh's profound yet succinct volume, On Liturgical Theology, is titled, "On Liturgy and Normality." His point, one which the entire book builds, is that liturgical practice, in contrast to the violence and greed of what we call normal existence, is the way God intends us to live. In the West, it is now Easter, and it will soon be Pascha in the Eastern churches. Do our Easter practices identify us as something other than what the world calls "normal?"
Before answering that question, it may help to read and reflect a bit. Here are some suggestions:
Take and read. |
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 April 2008 )
|
|
|
Written by Randy Cooper
|
|
Friday, 04 April 2008 |
|
Barack Obama has endured criticism for his membership in Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ and for his association with his now-retired pastor, Jeremiah Wright, Jr. Wright’s inflammatory remarks have met with angry disapproval. Yet this reflection is not about Rev. Wright. I am writing, instead, about Obama and his understanding of the Church. |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 04 April 2008 )
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
| Results 17 - 24 of 156 |
bLOGOS