Living by the Word

Reflections on the lectionary readings by pastors, preachers and biblical scholars

Photo by Mary Harrsch

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Mark 3:20–35

May 29, 2012 by Chris Blumhofer

I worship in a congregation whose members sometimes hesitate before responding to scripture readings with “Thanks be to God!” On one Sunday, after hearing Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats and the strong words of warning at the end of that parable, they were so restrained that the liturgist looked up from his Bible and remarked, “You’re not so sure about that, are you?” It was a penetra

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Isaiah 6:1–8; Romans 8:12–17; John 3:1–17

May 22, 2012 by Chris Blumhofer

Shortly after my daughter was born last summer, a friend gave my wife and me a bit of unsolicited wisdom: “God gives us children to remind us that we are not in control.” Sage advice, to be sure.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Romans 8:22–27

May 15, 2012 by Katherine Willis Pershey

By the time I was admitted to the maternity ward and lashed to a bed with an IV line, my labor had progressed. With each contraction I felt as though the pain would suffocate me. When the nurse suggested she should call the anesthesiologist, I reluctantly agreed.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Acts 1:15–17, 21–26; 1 John 5:9–13; John 17:6–19

May 08, 2012 by Katherine Willis Pershey

The texts for this week are challenging. The Gospel reading, an excerpt from Jesus’ high priestly prayer, is difficult to read aloud. It feels awkward to eavesdrop on Jesus’ intimate moments with God, and one can get lost in the anguish of a savior about to die.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

John 15:9–17

May 01, 2012 by Brian Bantum

As a teenager I occasionally had moments of spontaneous helpfulness. I’d wake up and say to myself, “Today I am going to clean the kitchen for Mom.” Deeply satisfied with my initiative, I would spend the day soaking in the satisfaction of being a wonderful son. Then I’d return home from school and my mother would greet me, ask how my day had gone and tell me she needed me to clean the kitchen.