proper 6
The apostles' new identity: Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35–10:8 (9-23)
I wonder if Paul has Euripides in mind.
Idol behavior: 1 Kings 21; Psalm 5; Luke 7:36–8:3
One of my seminary teachers once said that if you can’t think of anything original to preach, you should tell Bible stories—they have enough power to turn people’s hearts toward God. This may not work with every text, but it certainly works with the drama and wisdom of the story of Naboth and the story of the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears.
Arguing with Paul: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17
I don’t want to leave my body or its loves. I wouldn’t rather be at home with the Lord; I want to be right here.
Are we there yet? Romans 5:1-8
I want to go from suffering to hope as quickly as possible.
Scandalous behavior: Luke 7:36–8:3
Each of the four Gospels tells about the woman who anoints Jesus while he is at table, and in each Gospel someone sharply rebukes her for her action. But Luke is unique: unlike event as told the other three Gospels, the act of anointing as told in Luke does not portend Jesus’ death. Instead, hospitality and table fellowship are the recurrent themes, and they are a clue to the meaning of this parable.
Miracle market: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Mark 1:40-45
There is an odd reticence about the healings in the lessons for this Sunday—there’s an expectation of big-bang pyrotechnics, followed by a matter-of-factness in the healings that seems to disappoint. The haughty Naaman is downright offended by the simplicity of Elisha’s prescription for curing his leprosy. I thought he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place . . . But nothing that glamorous is planned.