Pathos and Responsibility

Posted on February 19, 2019 by - Brother John's Reflections

Both the Lord in Genesis and Jesus in Mark’s gospel are presented in today’s readings as apparently frustrated. In the very anthropomorphic presentation of God in Genesis, the Creator is presented as experiencing regret for having created free human beings. In Mark’s description of Jesus’ attempting to teach his disciples to avoid the hypocrisy and self-alienation of the Pharisees and Herod, we hear of the pain that the disciples’ obduracy evokes in him. It is striking to ponder the fact that Jesus and God might experience the pathos that is so painful an aspect of our own experience. It is…[read more]

Your Kingdom Come In Us

Posted on October 10, 2018 by - Brother John's Reflections

Jesus said to the disciples: “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come.” Luke 11:2 Jesus tells us to repent because “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We are taught throughout the spiritual tradition that we are not to search here or there for God’s kingdom because it is within us. Yet, as…[read more]

Taking Up Jesus' Yoke

Posted on July 19, 2018 by - Brother John's Reflections

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30 In his…[read more]

The Demands of Wisdom

Posted on December 15, 2017 by - Brother John's Reflections

Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, / the Holy One of Israel: / I, the Lord, your God, / teach you what is for your good, / and lead you on the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 “But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” Matthew 11:19 Today Isaiah tells us that God will teach…[read more]