Scripture
Early Christianity, fragment by fragment
A new published volume of ancient papyri contains sayings, attributed to Jesus, that were previously unknown—including a dialogue with a disciple named Mary.
Marilynne Robinson goes deep on Genesis
Her new book is a single essay of 230 pages that probes beautifully into the mind and heart of God.
April 14, Easter 3B (Luke 24:36b–48)
Why doesn’t Jesus just remind the disciples of a story or an inside joke they shared before he died?
Why I came back to the lectionary
My job as a preacher isn’t to change the game. It’s to run the plays well.
Bearing the scars
Years ago, at a barbecue in Argentina, I realized I was the only person present who wasn’t a survivor of torture.
April 7, Easter 2B (John 20:19–31)
Thomas’s experience with the risen Christ is a testament to the possibilities Easter creates.
Overshadowed by the Twelve
Holly Carey turns up the brightness on the most faithful disciples in the gospels: the women.
March 31, Easter 1B (Mark 16:1–8)
Resurrection flies in the face of everything we know to be true.
Confronting difference in a spirit of peace (John 12:12-16)
Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem is full of confrontation.
March 29, Good Friday (John 18:1–19:42)
On the cross, the God-man who has repeatedly declared “I am” now begins to say that he is not.
March 28, Maundy Thursday (John 13:1–17, 31b–35)
How might the church’s history have been different if foot washing had caught on more widely?
March 24, Palm Sunday B (Mark 11:1–11)
Jesus moves in the same direction as other pilgrims but at a pace and purpose that is his own.
March 24, Passion B (Mark 14:1–15:47)
We fix our gaze on the cross because if we look away we will miss something vital.
We would see Jesus (John 12:20-33)
This is a fearful time, especially for those who are being targeted by some of the currents of our cultural wars.
Reading scripture through the experience of disability
Julia Watts Belser sees in the Torah a God who is in love with the creative possibilities of difference.
March 17, Lent 5B (John 12:20–33)
“If you really want to live you’ve gotta die” is a puzzle that could leave you off kilter your whole life long.
Good news that doesn’t fit on a sign (John 3:14-21)
What has always interested me about the John 3:16 signs is the singular focus.