A Psychologist looks at Scripture

Send us Fan Mail In Scripture, heaven and the reign of God are often described as a banquet. We know that the first miracle Jesus performed making wine was at a wedding banquet. This image would have had particular meaning in the ancient world. Food preservation was difficult because refrigeration did not exist. People generally ate what was available. Perhaps the parable speaks to what happens when we become so busy that we fail to recognize the Spirit working in our lives and co...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who plants a vineyard, leases it to tenants, and then sends servants to collect the harvest. The tenants beat, stone, and kill the servants. Finally, the landowner sends his son, saying, “They will respect my son.” Instead, the tenants kill him as well, hoping to take possession of the inheritance. Matthew’s Gospel presents the parable as a warning that the kingdom of God will be entrusted to a people who produce its ...

Send us Fan Mail There is little room for misunderstandings in this parable. I am sure the Pharisees and Scribes who heard this story for the first time must have bristled in annoyance as they knew Jesus was referring to them. This parable speaks to us today as well. Complete our 1 Minute Survey

Send us Fan Mail I have often asked this question, If your faith became illegal, would there be enough evidence for your neighbor’s to convict you? This question is adapted from a question asked by John Wooden, a deeply religious basketball coach in 1997. This question highlights the deeper question about how much our faith impacts our daily life choices. I am reminded of this question when I reflect on the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. This parable challenge...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s Gospel Peter asks a question to Jesus, how many times does one forgive someone? Excellent question, to paraphrase Peter, Jesus is asked about the limits of forgiveness. Jesus poetically points out that forgiveness is limitless to anyone following him. This answer is not surprising; as Jesus frequently spoke about forgiveness. One of the last statements he made before his death on the cross is the prayer, “forgive them father for ...