In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by pastors, preachers, and biblical scholars
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?
November 17, Ordinary 33B Mark 13:1-8
Jesus tells the disciples a hard truth: nothing you see here is going to last.
November 10, Ordinary 32B (Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17)
Naomi is a climate refugee, displaced from her homeland by a natural disaster that results in widespread famine.
November 3, Ordinary 31B (Mark 12:28–34)
The scribe’s question to Jesus is not merely an academic exercise.
November 1, All Saints B (Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a)
God swallowing up death indicates the ultimate defeat of sorrow and chaos.
October 27, Ordinary 30B (Job 42:1–6, 10–17)
Job passively endures a lot of trauma before he finally speaks directly to God about it. That’s the turning point.
October 20, Ordinary 29B (Hebrews 5:1–10)
It can be easy to read this portion of Hebrews as making glory out of what is inglorious.
October 13, Ordinary 28B (Hebrews 4:12–16)
One of the most underrated spiritual gifts is perseverance.
October 6, Ordinary 27B (Job 1:1, 2:1–10)
The primary biblical text that addresses human suffering is a comedic folktale. How are we meant to process this?
September 29, Ordinary 26B (Psalm 124)
When the Spirit moved among us, we heard the tongues of angels.
September 22, Ordinary 25B (Mark 9:30–37)
Rather than rebuke the disciples, Jesus takes a little child by the hand.