In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by preachers, writers, and biblical scholars
November 23, Reign of Christ/Christ the King (Jeremiah 23:1-6)
The prophet Jeremiah knew about hard times.
November 16, Ordinary 33C (Isaiah 65:17-25)
In Isaiah, every promise of newness is an indictment of present brokenness.
November 9, Ordinary 32C (Luke 20:27-38)
God’s parentage operates by entirely different logic than human patriarchy.
November 2, Ordinary 31C (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)
We are one body, even as the world comes apart.
November 1, All Saints (Luke 6:20-31)
My friend Mollie didn’t need to be a minister. She was already a fisher of people.
October 26, Ordinary 30C (Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65)
The day of the Lord is terrifying.
October 19, Ordinary 29C (Luke 18:1-8)
Will God’s justice come quickly to the unhoused people who sleep in the park?
October 12, Ordinary 28C (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)
Jeremiah isn’t panicking. He’s incandescent with holy resolve.
October 5, Ordinary 27C (Luke 17:5-10)
The spirit is willing, but the inner horticulturist is weak.
September 28, Ordinary 26C (1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31)
Preachers often bury the lede—especially with this parable.
September 21, Ordinary 25C (Jeremiah 8:18-9:1)
Jeremiah is the emo prophet.
September 14, Ordinary 24C (Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14)
Hope where all appears hopeless: that’s where God is.
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.