Sermons by Rev. Robert Goldstein (Page 2)

The Gospel reading speaks of Jesus “setting his face to go to Jerusalem.” It is clear that this marks a deep change in Jesus. Let us see. Jesus’ path to Jerusalem starts by passing through a Samaritan village. Jews looked down upon Samaritans as half-castes and the disciples sent ahead must have shown it for the Samaritans offer them no hospitality. And, as the logic of racial pride unfolds, James and John feel insulted. “Jesus, let us command fire from heaven to consume them!”…

Joseph and Mary had a tradition to visit Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Perhaps you have family traditions too. But I hope that happened to Mary and Joseph does not happen to you!

Let’s consider what the word “politics” means. Not about what’s going on in the world. But what a “polis” means – Aristotle said when two or more persons are together, even that is a polis. What are the politics in your family; that is, how do you decide to use your group time and your finances? Any group of persons is a polis, and their policies are their politics. So, this congregation is a Christian polis. By nature it has politics and needs to make sure they follow the Gospel…