In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by preachers, writers, and biblical scholars
March 30, Lent 4c (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)
There is no resolution to the prodigal son story, only the resonance of the father’s words.
March 23, Lent 3C (Luke 13:1-9)
Who can resist the gardener’s advice to dig around deeply and replenish the soil?
March 16, Lent 2C (Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35)
We live with a clear-eyed hope that refuses to squint in the face of suffering.
March 9, Lent 1 (Psalm 91:1–2, 9–16; Romans 10:8b–13; Luke 4:1–13)
God chooses to draw near—and to draw us out of ourselves.
March 5, Ash Wednesday C (Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
Isaiah and Matthew invite us into deeper solidarity. None is well until all are well.
March 2, Transfiguration (Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a))
Peter, James, and John are all of us.
February 23, Epiphany 7C (Genesis 45:3–11, 15)
Joseph’s brothers witness love in action, in both his personal forgiveness and his prudent national planning.
February 16, Epiphany 6C (Luke 6:17–26)
I want to be surprised by God, even if that surprise might scare the bejesus out of me.
February 9, Epiphany 5C (Luke 5:1–11)
Was I wrong to preach that Jesus wrecks our lives?
February 2, Epiphany 4C (Luke 4:21–30)
Jesus didn’t come to make us feel good.
January 26, Epiphany 3C (Luke 4:14-21)
When Jesus steps up to read the scroll, he comes home to a place of clarity.
January 19, Epiphany 2C (John 2:1-11)
Mary reminds us that sometimes we get involved in the need right in front of us simply because we can.
January 12, Baptism of the Lord C (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)
As clear as John is about his role, he still relies on the community for a more robust expression of his calling.
January 6, Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12)
You rarely see a children’s pageant based on Matthew’s story of escape from a raging despot.
December 29, Christmas 1C (Luke 2:41-52)
Twelve years into this parenting gig, Mary knows there’s not much she can do to keep her son safe.
December 24 and 25, Nativity (Luke 2:1-20)
When does tonight become tomorrow? Is it the first glint of daybreak? The first breath of the baby?