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The Seduction of Empire—rejecting its offer of fake peace
In the turning point in the gospel of Mark, Jesus is confronted with Peter’s ignorance and empire’s promise of safe oppression.
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Between Proper 16 + 17 (Year A)
This week, we have the second half of a story many would prefer to never think are even connected in the least bit.
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Failing the Pop Quiz
“Get behind me, Satan!” is one of the most shocking phrases in the gospels. It is also one of the most revealing.
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Without Fear and Longing
For SundaySixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Collect O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen. Reading…
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Not the Worst News
The thing about Jesus’s rebuke of Peter is that we don’t see it coming. But we should. We’re often in Peter’s shoes.
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Satan As a Swear Word
There is such power in this rebuke that it shatters our focus on the moment. Like when a trusted authority uses a swear word.
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Repent of Power
In Matthew 16:21-28, we see not just a simple rejection of Peter for being stupid, but a rejection of the historic seducing power of power. Proper 17A | Matthew 16:21-28 Before he foretells of his death, Jesus warns his followers about the Pharisees. While it’s direct, it’s also cryptic and difficult. It’s a warning we’ve struggled to…
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The Worth of Life
Bad News, Good News, and Life Itself As much as Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees for teaching harmful stuff to the people, Jesus is opening up the very nature of life and death to them: That, of course: what lies ahead is awful. Of course none of us wants to do this. And yes, I…