Justification is one of the most important words in the Bible because it’s one of the most important aspects of humanity. The quest to find a reason for one’s existence – in other words, “to justify” oneself – is irresistible. In a culture which separates...
In these verses from John chapter 14, Jesus follows up on the challenging words he had just spoken to his disciples—that he would be leaving them soon and that they would not immediately be able to follow him. After predicting Peter’s denial of Jesus, he says to them,...
In this week’s Gospel, we hear the comforting and definitive claim of our Lord: "I am the Good Shepherd." Jesus uses this familiar, pastoral imagery to describe the intimate, sacrificial relationship He maintains with His flock. He knows His sheep by name, and...
While the Bible acknowledges that anger can sometimes be righteous—specifically when its target is evil and injustice—hatred is generally forbidden. Jesus calls his people to do good to their enemies and love those who hate them. However, this creates a tension:...
In a world of "soft targets," headlines of terror, and personal "kingdoms" that feel like they are crumbling, it is easy to find ourselves living as if Jesus were still in the grave. We call this "thinking inside the tomb"—a state of mind...
