In Luke 14, Jesus is dining at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, and he is simultaneously loving and offending one and all. He first offends his legalistic friends by performing another Sabbath-day healing. (vs. 1-6) He then offends his fellow invited guests who were arrogantly striving for the most honorable seats. They should be humble. (vs. … More What are you doing with God’s invitation?
Yesterday, Pope Francis issued forth a new “apostolic letter” or papal declaration. He declared that, at least until the end of his tenure, Roman Catholic priests could offer forgiveness to mothers and medical practitioners who had committed the sin of abortion. Previously, only Roman Catholic bishops or special confessors could grant absolution for such mortal sin, but now local … More Rome Got This One Right … Somewhat
In Jesus’ day, meals were public proclamations of kinship and association. Those interested in climbing certain social ladders and maintaining a proper public imaged were most careful with whom they ate and drank. However, throughout the Gospels, Jesus was quite pleased to spend time with inglorious nobodies and notorious sinners. Hear the testimony of Mark: And as he reclined at table in … More Inglorious Nobodies and Notorious Sinners
Unfathomable Grace 