Renouncing One’s Rights
by Herb Montgomery “The one who slaps you on the cheek, offer him the other as well; and to the person wanting to take you to court and get your shirt, turn over to him the coat as well. And…
The Subversive Narratives of Advent (Part 1 of 3)
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.” (Luke 2.10) Advent season has begun! Over the next two weeks I want to look at the birth narratives of Jesus from first century…
Both David’s “son” and “Lord”
BY HERB MONTGOMERY While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said…
Women and the Cheek Defiance of Jesus
Self-Affirming, Nonviolent Resistance and the Cheek Defiance of Jesus for Women. BY HERB MONTGOMERY If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. —Matthew 5:39 Over the last few weeks, I’ve been confronted by…
Blessed Are Those Who Are Poor . . .
BY HERB MONTGOMERY Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20) It’s good to be back home! I truly loved my time in Brazil. It is a…
A Liberation For Those Who Mourn
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) (Top to bottom; left to right.): Ethel Lance, 70; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49; The Rev. Clement Pinckney, 41; Susie Jackson, 87; Myra…
Baltimore, Black Lives Matter, and Jesus
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34 Before you imagine that Jesus is endorsing taking up a sword here,…
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 6 of 9
Part 6 of 9 Woman, Here Is Your Son BY HERB MONTGOMERY Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and…
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 2 of 9
Part 2 of 9 My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? BY HERB MONTGOMERY And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my…
A New Social Order
by Herb Montgomery Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark…