In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by preachers, writers, and biblical scholars
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?
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?