Monthly Archives: August 2016

Year of Mercy: Mercy and Value

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Steve Harper

The second parable of mercy is Luke 15:8-10, the searching woman.  Interpretations abound, but the one I want to focus on is that whereas the sheep wandered away, the coins were lost through no fault of their own. Who knows … Continue reading →

Posted in Year of Mercy | 1 Comment

The Fall Lineup

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Steve Harper

As we move into the Fall, I want to let you know what’s coming your way on Oboedire. First, the weekly reflections related to Pope Francis’ “Year of Mercy” continue until Advent.  Even though it is labor intensive to write … Continue reading →

Posted in Site Updates | 2 Comments

Year of Mercy: Parables of Mercy

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Steve Harper

In addition to the psalms, Pope Francis also references three parables in 15:1-32 and one in Matthew 18:22-35.  A supplementary resource (see below) expands a look at these parables of mercy by adding five more for study.  In the coming … Continue reading →

Posted in Year of Mercy | Comments Off on Year of Mercy: Parables of Mercy

Year of Mercy: Remember Mercy

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Steve Harper

Pope Francis ends his document with Psalm 25:6.  It may seem a strange way to bring his writing to a close, given all he said about mercy and its being integral to God’s nature.  Why ask God to remember something … Continue reading →

Posted in Year of Mercy | 1 Comment

Year Of Mercy: Mercy and Justice

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Steve Harper

Mercy without justice is cheap grace.  But justice without mercy is condemnation.  For there to be Gospel, mercy and justice must come together.  For Pope Francis, that union is described in Psalm 51: 11-16. Redemption must occur, otherwise we remain … Continue reading →

Posted in Year of Mercy | Comments Off on Year Of Mercy: Mercy and Justice

Loyal Disobedience

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Steve Harper

The various acts of non-conformity which have followed The United Methodist General Conference have been swiftly described as acts of disobedience, which are then promptly labeled as manifestations of disloyalty. Various groups and bodies have attempted to frame the issue … Continue reading →

Posted in UMC | 12 Comments

Year Of Mercy: A Request Fulfilled

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Steve Harper

Pope Francis’ reference to Psalm 70:1 is in relation to God’s willingness to help us even before we ask for help.  In other words, mercy is God’s predisposition.  Our requests for help are never interruptions. Mercy is not something God … Continue reading →

Posted in Year of Mercy | Comments Off on Year Of Mercy: A Request Fulfilled