In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by pastors, preachers, and biblical scholars
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?
December 22, Advent 4C (Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55)
Is Matthew so embarrassed by Bethlehem’s lowly status in Micah that he feels the need to punch it up a little?
December 15, Advent 3C (Luke 3:7-18)
I am struck by just how different my baptism prep process is from John the Baptist’s.
December 8, Advent 2C (Baruch 5:1-9; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6)
Being baptized requires becoming vulnerable to at least one other person.
December 1, Advent 1C (Luke 21:25-36)
If our faith cannot help us escape tribulations, then what should we do when we face them?
November 24, Reign of Christ B (John 18:33–37)
What does it mean to have Christ as a king?
November 17, Ordinary 33B Mark 13:1-8
Jesus tells the disciples a hard truth: nothing you see here is going to last.
November 10, Ordinary 32B (Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17)
Naomi is a climate refugee, displaced from her homeland by a natural disaster that results in widespread famine.
November 3, Ordinary 31B (Mark 12:28–34)
The scribe’s question to Jesus is not merely an academic exercise.
November 1, All Saints B (Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a)
God swallowing up death indicates the ultimate defeat of sorrow and chaos.
October 27, Ordinary 30B (Job 42:1–6, 10–17)
Job passively endures a lot of trauma before he finally speaks directly to God about it. That’s the turning point.