Scripture for Life: Jesus' incarnation happened in one moment of history. From the manger to the cross, it was hard to believe in such a simple, humble God. It still is.
Scripture for Life: If Bartimaeus were here, he might beg us to listen deeply for the good news in our fragmented world. He would probably tell us that we really do need to hear and respect viewpoints different from our own.
Scripture for Life: Jesus has always had followers who recognized and still bet their lives on the faith that weakness opens them to grace, that avoiding the traps of fear and control frees them to believe in the power of their baptism.
Scripture for Life: Adam and Eve might be the perfect patron saints for this moment when our church is moving into the second session of the synod on synodality, or, we could say, the synod on becoming more together.
Scripture for Life: To act prophetically is to speak truth to power, knowing that the prophetic word is always a graced word, no matter how foreboding or harsh that word may have to be.
Scripture for Life: Today when we confront obnoxious self-aggrandizing, bullying, divisive people, these readings challenge us to the core. When we find ourselves provoked and tending toward retaliation, James calls us to tame ourselves.
Scripture for Life: The Gospel message always aims to alter our perceptions. Discipleship carries no insurance policy. Following Jesus is a risky proposition.
Scripture for Life: Our world is in desperate need of listeners, of people who can approach the violent with a kiss and who can receive revelation from very different points of view.