Isaiah
275 results found.
Why I need Advent
Come to the river, wash away your sins, start a new life. Now—because something is coming.
The former cringing
In my Century lectionary column for this week, I focused on the reading from Isaiah 65. It’s a text I find baffling, frustrating and hopeful. If space were limitless, here are some other things I might have included.
Let Us Beat Swords into Plowshares, by Evgeniy Vuchetich (1908–1974)
art selection and commentary by Mikeal C. Parsons and Heidi J. Hornik
Does it make sense to destroy guns?
Here in Chicago, reporter Rob Wilderboer found a compelling story last week:
The Chicago Police Department throws out about $2 million every year. It’s money that is forfeited by the city when police destroy the guns they seize rather than sell them to licensed firearms dealers. The decision is made for emotional, political and ideological reasons.
Wilderboer sets it up as a simple choice: money for the CPD/other City services? Or the satisfaction of destroying weapons?
Grace or judgment?
In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus says to the people,
Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No... Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No.
No.
Grace or judgment?
In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus says to the people,
Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No... Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No.
No.
Making Lent difficult: The case for rigorous disciplines
Sustainable Lenten disciplines anticipate an Easter in which they will continue. But surely Easter hope is for something more.
by Ted A. Smith
Ash Wednesday: Isaiah 58:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Isaiah gives voice to God. God is amazed at our epistemic closure.
by James Alison
Comforting promises
Until now I never appreciated the beautiful message of this week’s Old Testament passage. God’s promises to Israel—to not be drowned by water or burned by fire—make this text almost as comforting to its readers as the 23rd psalm.
Blessed technology
I work remotely, out of my home office. As such I am dependent on the smooth and ready operation of computer equipment. Recently I encountered some hitches.
by Rodney Clapp
Make straight a highway
The son of a truck driver, I like highways and image of travel. Checking The New Interpreter’s Bible Dictionary's entry about roads and highways, I learned that a messila was a built-up road, intentionally constructed and improved, while a derekh (Num. 20:17, 19, Judg. 21:19) was a path was formed because of constant use and thus had become a road.
By Paul Stroble
Awaiting God’s reign
Patience is not one of our stronger characteristics. A flight delay or traffic jam can become an emotional and physical crisis.
Come to the table
On September 9, when many of our members return from Labor Day vacations or summer travels, the gospel text from Mark and the sacrament of communion might be a powerful combination to welcome folks back to the gospel-centered community.
Whether she knows it or not, the Syrophoenician woman’s reference to the table is a persuasive image for her audience. The table stands at the center of Jesus’ ministry.