Monthly Archives: September 2016

Year of Mercy: Mercy Demonstrated

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Steve Harper

No parable is better known than the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), and it is a parable about mercy (v. 37).  The one-word for mercy in this parable is ‘neighborliness.’ Jesus cuts through theological jargon and religious complexity … Continue reading →

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Nonviolence: A Response #1

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Steve Harper

The most important thing to recognize about nonviolence is that it is a response to a prior violence.  Nonviolence comes into play because harm is already being done.  We only understand nonviolence in the context of this foundational reality. This … Continue reading →

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Year of Mercy: Extravagant Love

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Steve Harper

In addition to the two parables that Pope Francis cites in his writing, a supplemental resource entitled ‘Parables of Mercy’ (published by Our Sunday Visitor) explores five more.  Today, we look at Luke 7:36-50, the story Jesus told to explain … Continue reading →

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Nonviolence: A Brief History

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Steve Harper

An exploration of nonviolence begins in recognizing the longstanding history of it.  Today we take a brief look at its practice over time. Nonviolence can be traced back through literature to the 6th century BC in India, most notably in … Continue reading →

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Year of Mercy: Mercy It Forward

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Steve Harper

The second parable that Pope Francis references is Matthew 18:21-35, a story Jesus used to answer Peter’s question, “How many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” The parable has some enigmatic nuances, but the … Continue reading →

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Nonviolence: Inside the Story

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Steve Harper

It would not be correct to begin a series like this without first giving you a glimpse of my journey into nonviolence.  This is not a subject that can be written about purely from the vantage point of an onlooker. … Continue reading →

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Year of Mercy: Mercy and Grace

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Steve Harper

The third parable (Luke 15:11-32) is usually called the parable of the prodigal son, but like the previous  two parables, it is a story about God: “a man had two sons.”  How God related to each one is the point … Continue reading →

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Nonviolence: Introduction

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Steve Harper

Social holiness includes the call to resist injustice, but how we do this makes all the difference.  As I have said repeatedly, we must live with the fruit of the Spirit defining our inner life and directing our outward life.  … Continue reading →

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