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For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Hawkins's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and online-only content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

The Gospels show Jesus as prophet, teacher, and miracle worker. But most intriguingly, they depict him as a storyteller--one who could not only draw a crowd but keep it riveted.