In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by preachers, writers, and biblical scholars
September 7, Ordinary 23C (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18)
My mother taught me what the Psalmist knew well—that a human being is one continuous interrogative prayer.
August 31, Ordinary 22C (Luke 14:1, 7-14)
Jesus is clear: Hosts should invite only those who cannot reciprocate.
August 24, Ordinary 21C (Jeremiah 1:4-10)
Sensing danger does not alone a prophet make.
August 17, Ordinary 20C (Luke 12:49-56)
Luke usually tones down the apocalyptic intensity we encounter in Matthew and Mark. Not here.
August 10, Ordinary 19C (Isaiah 1:1, 10-20)
Judgment doesn’t have to be bad news.
August 3, Ordinary 18C (Colossians 3:1-11)
Putting on the clothing of the new self is a metaphor of extravagance.
July 27, Ordinary 17C (Luke 11:1-13)
Jesus addresses a God who is beyond the human horizon and yet part of the household.
July 20, Ordinary 16C (Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52)
God’s rage will not be held at bay.
July 13, Ordinary 15C (Luke 10:25–37)
Mr. Rogers turns the self-protecting question, “Who is my neighbor?” into a self-expanding invitation.
July 6, Ordinary 14C (2 Kings 5:1-14)
God’s saving work is never too big for ordinary moments or casual conversations.
June 29, Ordinary 13C (Luke 9:51-62)
Following Jesus is not something to do later.
June 22, Ordinary 12C (1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a; Psalm 42 and 43)
Psalms 42 and 43 remind us of the ways a spiritual practice can prepare us for whatever trials we meet in life.
June 15, Trinity C (Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31)
Wisdom is frisky and frolicking. She reminds us that God created our impulse to learn and to grow.
June 8, Pentecost C John 14:8-17, (25-27)
John’s Gospel is permeated with an encouragement, indeed an insistence, on intimacy.
June 1, Easter 7 (John 17:20-26)
The question of unity always raises another question: On whose terms?
May 29, Ascension C (Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53)
People who have died do not typically eat fish, nor expound upon the scriptures, nor stand among us to offer a blessing and then get whisked away into heaven.