Nietzsche versus the Sheeple Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). My apologies: That Beatitude does not appear in the lectionary readings for today. On the other hand, it saturates today’s lectionary readings. Let us take...
Therefore wait for me, says the Lord, for the day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my passion all the earth shall be consumed. At...
As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the...
Hazelnut and Popcorn J. Marshall Jenkins Because God loves it, a hazelnut holds the whole world, said Mother Julian. So hold the world in the palm of your hand. They say great things fill the world: governments, military operations, corporations, stock markets,...
Belief in the Far Reaches for Wanda J. Marshall Jenkins In midsummer 1969, my parents let me stay up late to watch the Apollo 11 moon landing and that “one small step,” that “one giant leap.” The subject came up soon enough weeks later among us fifth graders...
Interview With a Sycamore J. Marshall Jenkins If the young sycamore, so open-armed in my yard, could answer, I would ask, “Do you yearn to reach higher, wider, spring greener with more leaves? In the fall, will you strive for color? In winter, will you strain strong...
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from a skin disease. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a...
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). A few months before proposing to my wife, Wanda Cantrell, I published a Beatitudes Blog post, “Meek Beauty,” paying tribute to her as an exemplar of meekness. I discussed how her...
Shell Work J. Marshall Jenkins From dark clouds built high on the horizon and breakers marching just below it at low tide, shells inevitably call your gaze down and near between crab holes and a jellyfish beached amid foam. The moon allows brief visits here....
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you...
A needed message for our era of polarization.
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled....