The Rib of Adam and the Body of Christ
Ten years ago, I wasn’t brave enough for Genesis, chapter two. A decade of marriage has shown me that this Scripture passage is not about subservience at all, but about belonging — and not just belonging within a marriage, but within the entire Body of Christ.
If All Were Prophets
Today’s readings call us to examine the motives behind our actions, especially those that lead us away from God and towards sin. Not only looking at what obstacles keep us from growing spiritually but also when we are a stumbling block to the growth of other people’s faith.
Who’s On First?
We run into trouble when the goals associated with our understanding of success are self-serving rather than in service of the Kingdom of God. We are conditioned into obtaining privilege and status, we forget about matters of the soul and heart.
Understanding Faithful Discipleship
By telling us to “take up” our cross, Jesus isn’t saying that we have to meekly submit to unfair treatment and suffering or embrace a blind, “offer it up” sort of spirituality. And, while they may be opportunities for grace, illness, sad events or even disasters aren’t “the cross.”
Jesus Healed Me! Let Me Tell You All About It!
Those whom Jesus heals cannot help but go around telling everyone they meet about the powerful prophet who restored them to health. For them, telling the story of Jesus’ healing power is part of the healing process itself.
True Disciples of Jesus
Rules and traditions are incredibly important, but we have to be sure that we don’t become so fixated on the details of traditions or teachings that we risk losing sight of what is most important: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The God of Choices
God lets us choose Him. He does not trick us. He does not lie in wait. He does not blackmail or entrap us. His authority over us is the kind that never chafes, because it is entirely divorced from the concept of power. The choice to obey is ours.
Believing and Rejoicing
How easily we can falter to believe, looking for signs and wonders as caveats of believing. Obstacles against seeing and accepting the truth of God’s promises fulfilled can mount daily if we fail to view the world with the eyes of a heart willing to see God at work.
Drawn by the Father
Believing in Jesus is a gift from the Father. As he puts it, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him…” Those who accepted Jesus’ teaching and followed him did so because they had been given faith directly from God.
A Longing for Fulfillment
It does not take much to do good, to relieve suffering, or to show love. God wants to do great things in our families, parishes, and communities. He wants to feed the hungry, He wants to console the suffering and He wants to change hardened hearts. But He needs us to help Him.
God Multiplies What We Surrender to Him
It does not take much to do good, to relieve suffering, or to show love. God wants to do great things in our families, parishes, and communities. He wants to feed the hungry, He wants to console the suffering and He wants to change hardened hearts. But He needs us to help Him.
Blessed Interruptions
Jesus did not merely feel a fleeting sentimental concern for the vast crowd. He felt strongly compelled into action to meet the needs of the people. But there is one tiny detail worth noting: the apostles and Jesus were trying to get away to rest after ministry!