In the Lectionary
December 24, Advent 4B (Luke 1:26–38)
The traditional annunciation story bothers me even more than the word handmaid.
December 17, Advent 3 (John 1:6–8, 19–28)
In the wilderness, trying to find joy can be like trying to make a fire with wet matches.
December 10, Advent 2B (Isaiah 40:1–11; Mark 1:1–8)
There is a clear distinction between being comfortable and receiving comfort.
December 3, Advent 1B (Mark 13:24–37)
Keep awake, Jesus says, for God’s new world is coming.
November 26, Reign of Christ A (Matthew 25:31–46)
Do we understand how our actions may shape the fate of a neighbor?
November 19, Ordinary 33A (Judges 4:1–7)
Irena Sendler, who smuggled hundreds of children out of the Warsaw Ghetto, was a modern-day Deborah.
November 12, Ordinary 32A (Matthew 25:1–13)
The Bible, so often used as enslaved people’s yoke, became their cry for freedom.
November 5, Ordinary 31A (Joshua 3:7–17)
Such an unbelievable and far-fetched plan. And yet the people believe Joshua.
November 1, All Saints Day (1 John 3:1–3)
“Children of God” is a name we do not earn and do not work for.
October 29, Ordinary 30A (Deuteronomy 34:1–12)
The nature of God’s judgment is not entirely clear. What has Moses done wrong?
October 22, Ordinary 29A (Matthew 22:15–22)
I take seriously the absence of a denarius in Jesus’ own hand.
October 15, 28A (Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23)
Where is the psalmist’s own voice in this communal confession and appeal?
October 8, Ordinary 27A (Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20)
In an uncertain, murky time, God gives the people a gift: ten laws.
October 1, Ordinary 26A (Philippians 2:1-13)
Paul’s words about humility should be handled with care.
September 24, Ordinary 25A (Matthew 20:1–16)
Jesus doesn’t seem interested in our warped ways of keeping the ledger of life.
September 17, Ordinary 24A (Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21)
Miriam’s song of victory prepares hearts to trust God in an uncertain future.
September 10, Ordinary 23A (Matthew 18:15–20)
The only place in the Gospels where Jesus says anything about the church is Matthew 18—and not insignificantly, he brings it up in terms of conflict management.
September 3, Ordinary 22A (Exodus 3:1–15)
We see what we focus on—and what we focus on determines what we do not see.
August 27, Ordinary 21A (Matthew 16:13–20)
I find it comforting to realize that Jesus recognizes the incompleteness of Peter’s understanding.
August 20, Ordinary 20A (Genesis 45:1–15; Psalm 133)
The challenges to unity are great. The reward of unity is tremendous.