In the Lectionary
January 21, Epiphany 3B (Mark 1:14–20)
The gospels don’t depict John as much of an organization builder.
January 14, Epiphany 2B (John 1:43–51)
Jesus’ word of insight to Nathanael seems a lot like a carnival grift.
January 7, Baptism of the Lord B (Mark 1:4–11)
As if he were working on an assembly line, John dips and raises, dips and raises.
January 6, Epiphany (Matthew 2:1–12)
In welcoming the Magi into her home, Mary opens the door to the whole world.
December 31, Christmas 1B (Isaiah 61:10–62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4–7; Luke 2:22–40)
Simeon and Anna echo the worship material of ancient Israel.
December 24/25, Nativity of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–20)
The God of exiles, refugees, and migrants still shines light amid today’s present darkness.
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.