The Arrow's Path

 We had a question in the Facebook group I moderate to the effect of the Bible word for Baptism always means full immersion in Baptism. This person added this little internet meme to accent his point: My response was this: Well, this meme here is overly simplistic as to the meaning in Greek. The word, as many words do both now and back then, can have multiple meanings depending on the usage. Yes, βαπτίζω can mean to fully submerge. However, there are times in Ancient Greek in non-Biblical sources where the word is clearly used in other ways. The perfect example in Nicander, who was a physician/poet/philosopher type around 200 BC. We still have some of his works. Sadly, some of his writings have been lost to time, namely the Heteroeumena. We sort of know a little about it as Ovid references part of it in Metamorphoses, but that’s neither here nor there. Nicander was, much like Aristotle, also a practical writer. What’s most interesting about Nicander is we have his 2 nd century reci

     Who exactly was Jesus of Nazareth? Today’s Mass readings for Sunday, September, 15th, speak to the profound theme of Jesus’ identity and the implications of that identity for our lives as followers of Christ. Jesus poses a profound question about Himself when he asks, “Whom do people say that I am?” This question serves as a pivotal moment in understanding not only who Jesus is but also what it means to live out our faith in response to that identity.      In Isaiah 50:5-9, the servant of the Lord speaks of his mission and his unwavering commitment to God’s call, despite facing opposition and suffering. The passage begins with the servant stating, “The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.” This declaration highlights the servant's obedience and readiness to fulfill God’s purpose, even in the face of adversity. The servant embodies the identity of one who is chosen and sustained by God, demonstrating that true strength lies in fidelity

Police brutality and misconduct is a scary and hard problem. I think a lot of law enforcement are good people who are trying to do the best they can in a thankless job. It is the bad ones that give everyone a bad name. What I do have problems with is police being used as paramilitary combatants and not as peace officers. That shift has not been for the better in American and world culture. There is a guy on Youtube who is an ex-con. He was at one time a violent dude. He is still a very salty dude, but his heart is in the right place. He has some very good things to say about prison and police reform, particularly in this video that are worth hearing and saying:

     Today’s Mass readings lead us to reflect on the theme of praising the Lord, particularly in the context of His transformative power, and the call to recognize His presence in our lives and in the lives of others.     In Isaiah 35:4-7a, the prophet speaks words of comfort and hope to a people in distress. He proclaims, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” This promise of salvation is a profound reason to praise the Lord. The imagery of healing and restoration that follows—where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame leap—reflects God's active involvement in the world. It is a vivid reminder that God is not distant; He is present and engaged in the lives of His people, bringing about renewal and joy. The transformation of the natural world serves as a metaphor for the spiritual renewal God offers. When we recognize His saving actions in our lives, we are compelled to respond with praise

 An excellent, if nauseating, article about the Church and the New Liturgy reforms of the 1960s and 1970s. Kudos for an excellent citation of primary source quotes from "liturgical experts" of the time, but, mercy, it makes me physically ill to read through this article .  What a form a group think madness that era was.