In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by preachers, writers, and biblical scholars
February 1, Epiphany 4A (Matthew 5:1–12)
In life, death, and resurrection, nothing is lost—no one is lost.
January 25, Epiphany 3A (Isaiah 9:1–4; Matthew 4:12–23)
Remembering the past enlightens our understanding of the present. We have been here before.
January 18, Epiphany 2A (John 1:29–42)
Who is Jesus? The first chapter of John’s Gospel offers many answers.
January 11, Baptism A (Isaiah 42:1–9; Matthew 3:13–17)
Sometimes it’s hard for us to remember who we are.
January 6, Epiphany (Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12)
Herod is frightened—or disturbed, or troubled, or all of the above.
January 4, Christmas 2 (Jeremiah 31:7–14; John 1:(1–9), 10–18)
The child staggering out of a bomb-blasted city does not need to find her home in God. She needs a physical home.
December 28, Christmas 1A (Matthew 2:13-23)
The incarnation means God enters the world as it stands, not as we wish it to be.
December 24 and 25, Nativity A (Luke 2:1–14 (15-20)
It’s likely that Jesus was born in a cave. Does that make any difference?
December 21, Advent 4A (Matthew 1:18-25)
Birthing takes a village. Our Christmas pageants recognize this truth.
December 14, Advent 3A (Matthew 11:2-11)
There is ample evidence that Christ is alive and on the move.
December 7, Advent 2A (Matthew 3:1-12)
Even if repentance begins right now, it feels too late for anything to change.
November 30, Advent 1 (Matthew 24:36-44)
We are called to be ready, to be alert to God’s kingdom breaking in anywhere, anytime.
November 23, Reign of Christ/Christ the King (Jeremiah 23:1-6)
The prophet Jeremiah knew about hard times.
November 16, Ordinary 33C (Isaiah 65:17-25)
In Isaiah, every promise of newness is an indictment of present brokenness.
November 9, Ordinary 32C (Luke 20:27-38)
God’s parentage operates by entirely different logic than human patriarchy.
November 2, Ordinary 31C (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)
We are one body, even as the world comes apart.