In Mark 8.11-21, we read of Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees and later His disciples. The Pharisees were arguing with Him, demanding a sign from heaven to test Him. Jesus seems tired, disgusted perhaps, having suffered rejection in Nazareth while teaching in the synagogue (Mark 6.1-6) and having grieved the loss of his cousin, John, beheaded by King Herod (v. 14-29) after He […]
The words found in I Corinthians 1.10-18 record an account of division among the Christians at Corinth. Much like the quarrels among them where each of them says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ,” today many Christians say or their lives speak […]
Matthew 21:1-11 depicts what has been referred to by many as the triumphal entry or royal reception of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. According to the Gospel of John, the people laid palms in the street, a symbol of prosperity and beauty. They cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who […]
In Matthew 6.24-34, Jesus and His disciples are atop a mountain surrounded by a multitude from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan. Jesus has uttered the now well- known Beatitudes, redefined the meaning of adultery and that of love, taught those gathered how to pray, and spoken against the practice of piety that […]
In Luke 18.1-8, Jesus shares a parable with those gathered to demonstrate the necessity of prayer and faith. He tells them of an unjust judge who neither fears God nor respects anyone. Consequently, one may wonder by what authority does this judge render his verdicts and to what purpose does this vocation fulfill, having no […]