Many theologians have noted that Christ is a kind of new Moses, who leads His disciples on a liberating journey, not from the political oppression of Pharaoh, but from the prison of our own ego. Christ came not to advance His own agenda, but the Father’s. He comes not to save Himself, but others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus patiently teaches His disciples that His Kingdom is characterized by the greatness of service.
Read MoreJoshua tells Moses about people prophesying outside the official circle of prophecy; John tells Jesus about someone exorcising demons outside the official circle of discipleship. In both cases, the disciples want the teacher to stop such unofficial actions. In both cases, the teacher replies that he is glad that someone is using the power, even if unofficially.
Read MoreMany who identify themselves as pro-choicers or liberals often accuse pro-lifers of not caring about what happens to the weak and vulnerable after they are born. This is disingenuous and unfair, yet, St. James asks, “what good is it…if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” He is reminding us that faith without works is indeed dead.
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