Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Comparing Scripture’ Category

John 8:12-20: Missing God

Posted in Comparing Scripture, Video Link, tagged , , , , on March 13, 2023| Leave a Comment »


John 8:12-20: Missing God

Monday, March 13, 2023missing puzzle piece

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

If this is so, then why do we miss God when God accompanies us in joy and sorrow?

The Pharisees objected, “All we have is your word on this. We need more than this to go on”.

If this is our thinking then we miss God’s presence just as many religious leaders did in Jesus’ day, and as many do today.

Jesus replied, “You’re right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where I’ve come from and where I go next. You don’t know where I’m from or where I’m headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don’t make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn’t make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me”.

If this is so, then we will want to move out of our narrowness and into the largeness of the one who creates us. If this is so, then we will want to dwell with Jesus’ words for a time, and allow them to sink into the marrow of our bones. If this is so, then we have much to forget and much to learn. If this is so, we want to offload all that constrains us and encourages us to judge; and we will want to open our hearts and minds and very selves to welcome this big and generous God.

Today we continue this week’s Lenten practice as we open ourselves to the enormity of God’s light and promise. Rather than thinking: “I will set all things right in God’s kingdom,” let us think instead, “I will strive each day to follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness, mercy and love”.

Tomorrow, dead end. 

HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD? Watch this short video by Fr. Paul Coutinho, S.J., and smile with the images he creates in this brief video, and reflect on how we might be missing God’s generosity and enormity each day. We may also find refreshment with his delightful book HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD: THE FREEDOM TO EXPERIENCE THE DIVINE.

When we use the scripture link to spend time with various versions of these verses, God becomes big enough to hold the multiverse. 

Image from: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/silhouette-of-missing-puzzle-piece

Read Full Post »

John 8:1-11: Adultery

Posted in Comparing Scripture, Social Justice, tagged , , , , , , , on March 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »


John 8:1-11: Adultery

Second Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2023Jesus_writing_in_sand

Again today we hear a story with familiar characters who give us an opportunity to learn something about ourselves. We are accustomed to thinking of adultery as an intimate relationship outside of marriage. In our Lenten journey, the Gospel invites us to consider what other ways we adulterate our lives. We might ask what impurity or weakness have we added to our actions or to our character that moves us away from the hope for the world that God created in us. When we use the scripture link to read other translations of this familiar story, we might listen for the newness that creeps into our understanding of ourselves, others, and of Jesus. Why is it that Jesus does not condemn this woman? Where is the man who accompanied her in this act? Where is the angry crowd? Is the woman guilty? What happens to her after her encounter with Jesus? And what happens to us when we consider all the times we have watered down the goodness and mercy planted in us? When and how have we adulterated our lives?

The religious scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.

We ask ourselves. Whom do we most closely resemble, those in the crowd or the one who stands condemned? And can we see ourselves as the forgiving Jesus?

Does no one condemn you? Neither do I. Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.

Tomorrow, missing God.

To learn more about this story, use the scripture link to compare versions, click on the image above or visit: http://www.womeninthebible.net/2.7.Adulterous_woman.htm 

For Aicha el-Wafi and Phyllis Rodriguez’ Ted Talk on forgiveness, click on the image below or go to: https://www.ted.com/talks/9_11_healing_the_mothers_who_found_forgiveness_friendship

For more stories like these, visit The Forgivness Project at: http://theforgivenessproject.com/stories/  Consider becoming involved with this or a similar initiative to bring peace to our world and to stem the violence that adulterates our lives.

Phyllis Rodriguez and Aicha el-Wafi

Phyllis Rodriguez and Aicha el-Wafi

Today we begin this week’s Lenten practice. Rather than thinking: “I will set all things right in God’s kingdom,” let us think instead, “I will strive each day to follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness, mercy and love”.

Images from: http://www.ted.com/talks/9_11_healing_the_mothers_who_found_forgiveness_friendship and http://www.womeninthebible.net/2.7.Adulterous_woman.htm

Read Full Post »

John 7:40-53: Division

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , , , , on March 11, 2023| Leave a Comment »


John 7:40-53: Division

Saturday, March 11, 2023IMM_Nicodemus_thumb

This week we have contemplated the tug-of-war between the beauty and gift of the mystery and miracle with which God surrounds us, and we have also seen the power of our unbelief and doubt. Before moving into the fifth week of Lent, we consider the authority this division exerts on us . . . and what counter-authority is present in our lives from which we might draw.

Those in the crowd who heard [Jesus’] words were saying, “This has to be the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah!” But others were saying, “The Messiah doesn’t come from Galilee, does he? There was a split in the crowd over him. Some went so far as wanting to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him.

The police who were sent to arrest him say: Have you heard the way he talks? We’ve never heard anyone speak like this man.

Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus earlier and was both a leader and a Pharisee, spoke up. “Does our Law decide about a man’s guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing?” But they cut him off. “Are you also campaigning for the Galilean? Examine the evidence. See if any prophet ever comes from Galilee.” Then they all went home.

Whom do we most closely resemble? Those in the crowd who believe? Are we the Pharisees who send for law enforcement or are we the police themselves? Might we be Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin? Or might we just go home with no more thought to what we witness? When we use the scripture link to read this entire story using different translations, we have the opportunity to find ourselves in these verses. To explore our own division or unity through the characters in this story, click on the names in the paragraph above.

We examine our belief, our doubt, and the many points of view we will hold and evangelize as we continue our Lenten practice. Rather than thinking: “God’s generosity is sometimes not fair,” let us think instead, “When we put away the past and follow God’s example of enormous generosity, we are better able to welcome the lost back home into the kingdom . . . and to give thanks for our own part in God’s great rejoicing”. 

Tomorrow, adultery.

Image from: https://www.gcurley.info/news/2015/01/are-you-the-teacher-and-do-not-understand/

Read Full Post »

John 7:1-30: Our Unbelief

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , on March 10, 2023| Leave a Comment »


John 7:1-30: Our Unbelief

Friday, March 10, 2023

James Tissot: The Pharisees Question Jesus

James Tissot: The Pharisees Question Jesus

Today’s Gospel reminds us that if we have the idea that our road to Easter will be a smooth one, we will want to think again. In this portion of John’s story, he describes an interchange between Jesus and those closest to him.

Jesus’ brothers said, “Why don’t you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? If you’re serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world.” His brothers were pushing him like this because they didn’t believe in him either.

We ask ourselves, “How does Jesus respond?”

Jesus came back at them, “Don’t crowd me. This isn’t my time. It’s your time—it’s always your time; you have nothing to lose. You go ahead, go up to the Feast. Don’t wait for me. It’s not the right time for me.”

We wonder, “And then what happened?”

He said this and stayed on in Galilee. But later, after his family had gone up to the Feast, he also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself. The Jews were already out looking for him, asking around, “Where is that man?”

And what if this exchange takes place between us and Jesus?” we ask.

With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: “How does he know so much without being schooled?”

“We surely believe Jesus,” we say to one another, “especially when we see him in the Temple”.

Jesus said, “I didn’t make this up. What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it’s from God or whether I’m making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesn’t tamper with reality. It was Moses, wasn’t it, who gave you God’s Law? But none of you are living it. So why are you trying to kill me?”

This stings a bit, and as the crowd surges toward Jesus, we must make a decision to join, defend, or walk away.

The crowd says, “You’re crazy! Who’s trying to kill you? You’re demon-possessed.”

We listen to continued exchanges between Jesus and the differing factions in the crowd and we realize that some of these doubters have a genuine curiosity about Jesus while others are jealous and angry.

They were looking for a way to arrest him, but not a hand was laid on him because it wasn’t yet God’s time. Many from the crowd committed themselves in faith to him, saying, “Will the Messiah, when he comes, provide better or more convincing evidence than this?”

Today we remind ourselves . . . we must make a decision to join, defend, or walk away as we continue our Lenten journey to our Easter home.

To read this entire story using different translations, use the scripture link above. 

We examine our belief, our unbelief, and the dangers and gifts it holds, we continue our Lenten practice. Rather than thinking: “God’s generosity is sometimes not fair,” let us think instead, “When we put away the past and follow God’s example of enormous generosity, we are better able to welcome the lost back home into the kingdom . . . and to give thanks for our own part in God’s great rejoicing”. 

Tomorrow, division.

Image from: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/4549

Read Full Post »

Luke 11:14-23: Devil Mud

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , , on March 2, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Luke 11:14-23: Devil Mud

pharisees (1)

James Tissot: The Chief Priests ask Jesus by What Right Does He Act in This Way

Thursday, March 2, 2023

If we have heard or read this story a number of times, it is likely that we know only one or two translations. Today we look at THE MESSAGE version as we reflect on our relationship with God . . . and our understanding of how Satan comes stealthily into our lives.

Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Any country in civil war for very long is wasted. A constantly squabbling family falls to pieces. If Satan cancels Satan, is there any Satan left? You accuse me of ganging up with the Devil, the prince of demons, to cast out demons, but if you’re slinging devil mud at me, calling me a devil who kicks out devils, doesn’t the same mud stick to your own exorcists?

Those who are jealous of Jesus’ power are eager to claim that his authority comes from darkness. In our Lenten pilgrimage we might consider our own reaction to others’ good news.

But if it’s God’s finger I’m pointing that sends the demons on their way, then God’s kingdom is here for sure.

Those who cannot understand the depth and beauty of Jesus’ transformative love want to credit themselves with for their success and blame others for their failures. The concept of God’s kingdom of love where love and forgiveness are powerful runs counter to their thinking of justified revenge and just wars.

When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound. But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he’s beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered.

Those who believe that our world justifies an escalation of power find comfort in their belief that God blesses the good and condemns the bad.

This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy; if you’re not helping, you’re making things worse.

Jesus’ words bring us the news that our dualistic thinking of good/bad, strong/weak, right/wrong is not the way of the kingdom but an illusion of the world. Jesus tells us clearly that the evil we throw at others comes back to live with us. And Jesus reminds us that when we chose to disbelieve his assertion that God’s world is nothing but love . . . we will want to reconsider our thinking . . . and the devil mud that we are tempted to throw.

When we compare other translations of Jesus’ words, their meaning takes on new light. And as we reflect on our concept of Satan, let us remember our Lenten practice this week. Rather than thinking: “The dream of peace is an unreal and distant illusion,” let us think instead, “The dream of peace we hold is present in God’s kingdom. And God’s kingdom is now”.

Tomorrow, the greatest commandment.

Image from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Chief_Priests_Ask_Jesus_by_What_Right_Does_He_Act_in_This_Way_-_James_Tissot.jpg

Read Full Post »

Matthew 5:43-48: Growing Up

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , on February 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Matthew 5:43-48: Growing Up

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Yesterday we considered Jesus’ urging that we ask, seek and knock. Today we unpack this simple request to discover what these words really mean. Jesus explains: You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. 

This lesson in paradox is at the core of Jesus’ message.

When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

love enemiesThis lesson in love is the most difficult of all.

In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.

This lesson in love is the most beautiful and transformative of all.

As we struggle to grow in Christ, we know that we must learn this most difficult and most transforming message. And so we remember . . . rather than thinking: “I am misunderstood”, I will think instead, “God is so understanding”.

Use the scripture link to explore other versions of these verses.

For more on Detrich Bonhoeffer, German philosopher and theologian who was arrested and executed by the Nazis in 1945, click on the quote above and explore. 

Image from: https://drjustinimelsr.com/sermons/sermons-on-matthew/loving-the-unlovable/

Read Full Post »

Matthew 7:7-12: Ask, Seek, Knock

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , , , , , on February 17, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Matthew 7:7-12: Ask, Seek, Knock

Friday, February 17, 2023ask_seek_knock_importunity

We read the familiar words from Matthew and hope they are true.

Ask, and you will receive . . .

We explore these same verses in other translations.

Don’t bargain with God. Be direct.

We repeat the familiar words from Matthew to take them in as our mantra of faith.

Seek, and you will find . . .  

We hunger and thirst for serenity, a serenity we already have but cannot fully experience.

Ask for what you need.

We pray the familiar words from Matthew as we pledge to live them in love.

old-wooden-door-opening-light-shining-33999556Knock, and the door will be opened to you . . .

We share the Good News with the world, and announce that the Kingdom has come.

This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. 

We feel the power of the Spirit, the hope of Christ and the love of God move through our flesh and bones.

Ask, and you will receive . . . Seek, and you will find . . .  Knock, and the door will be opened to you . . .

This is our prayer, the prayer of the faithful. This is our hope, the hope of the hopeless. This is God’s love, the love of Christ.

ask_seek_knock_lukeDon’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. 

This is life, life eternal. Let us begin to live as if we believe in the Good News of Christ.

The dusky tan verses are from the GOOD NEWS translation and the Lenten purple are from THE MESSAGE. When we use the scripture link above to read more of these translations and to look for others, God’s Word begins to lighten the load of the day. Consider the Luke 11:9 version of Jesus’ words. How does it differ from Matthew’s? 

As we reflect, we remember . . . rather than thinking: “I am misunderstood,” I will think instead, “God is so understanding”.

Tomorrow, finding happiness.

Images from: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-old-wooden-door-ajar-image4781423, https://maryellenwrites.com/2021/12/13/ask-seek-knock/ and https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/804547-ask-seek-knock

Read Full Post »

James 1-5: God’s Yardstick – James

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , , , , on January 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »


James 1-5: God’s Yardstick – James

The Measure of God’s Lovecrayon heart

Sunday, January 29, 2023

We continue to look for God’s yardstick in the New Testament.

We are never in doubt about James’ dedication to Christ and in a way his letter is a Gospel to Christ’s followers for it outlines a clear roadmap for The Way Christ asks us to walk.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides . . .

Do we see our hardships as sheer gift?

Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.

Do we talk more than we do? Do we lead with our anger?

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

Do we hide from ourselves or do we know who we are?

Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens! 

Do we live on the margins or in the comfortable center?

Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.

Are we impatient and petulant or enduring and resilient?

Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know.

Do we appreciate more than we disparage?

Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

Are we willing to stay the course or do we look for quick fixes?

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. 

How often and much do we pray? Are we willing to sing?

My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them.

Do we share the Good News or do we hold it to ourselves?

Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

Are we willing to share Christ’s story? Do we take risks in Christ’s name to include more that we divide and love more than we fear? If so . . . we are following the measure of God’s love that James describes for us.

Tomorrow, Stephen.

When we use the scripture link to compare THE MESSAGE version of these verses with translations that may be more familiar to us, we have the opportunity to explore the great measure of God’s love we are given to share.

Image from: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/heart-shape-crayon-drawing-pencil-drawing

Read Full Post »

2 Peter 1:19-21: God’s Yardstick – Peter

Posted in Comparing Scripture, tagged , on January 27, 2023| Leave a Comment »


2 Peter 1:19-21: God’s Yardstick – Peter

The Morning Star in Our Heartsmorningstar_000

Friday, January 27, 2023

We continue to look for God’s yardstick in the New Testament.

Peter writes his Good News story not with ink or stylus but with his hands, feet, ears, eyes and lips. He sends us letters that remain pertinent through millennia.

We couldn’t be more sure of what we saw and heard—God’s glory, God’s voice.

Peter understands that we doubt his story; yet he tells us this Good News from a full and loving heart.

The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it.

Peter knows about the distractions of the world and so he advises that we focus on his witness which we know to be true.

It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.

Peter assures us that the light of Christ will pierce the darkness to warm hearts hardened by darkness and doubt.

The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart.

Who do you say that I am? Christ asks us just as he asked Peter.

Peter’s response to Jesus is recognition of who Jesus is.

Peter recognizes that the lure of false teachers tugs at us endlessly; for that reason, he tells us to rely on the divine Christ rather than those who give us simple solutions to complex problems.

Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word.

Peter urges us to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than those who harden hearts and stiffen necks. This is the measure of God’s mercy that Peter gives us today.

Tomorrow, Paul.

Visit Matthew 16:13-17 to examine the context of Peter’s response to Jesus’ question. 

When we use the scripture link above, we have the opportunity to explore more of Peter’s letters. For more on Jesus as The Morning Star, visit: http://biblehub.com/revelation/22-16.htm 

Or click on the image above to visit: http://www.markmallett.com/blog/the-rising-morning-star/ 

Cross image from: https://drlej.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/the-church-of-jesus-christ-the-gates-of-hell-shall-not-prevail/

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »

%d bloggers like this: