21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B, RCL)

The bishop of Hippo isn’t just for JD Vance and Mike Johnson—and Bible studies aren’t just for evangelicals.

People often respond not to the person in front of them but to reverberations from the past.

The war in Iran underscores what was already evident: Trump goes on instinct, and his instinct is to dominate others.

The bewilderment of the women at the tomb gives way to a hope that overturns power, shame, and death itself.

In the gospels, sometimes Jesus responds to questions much like the young Bob Dylan did in interviews.

This last reading from the bread of life discourse places Jesus’ disciples at a crossroads.

Gird yourself with the T-shirt of righteousness, the backpack of faith, the hoodie of salvation.

We gave our readers a one-word writing prompt: “Wind.”

If so, what did he mean?

While struggling with this question as a church songwriter, I came up with six guidelines.

The armor of God and the violence of the Bible

In Psalm 84, an expectant swallow makes her nest in the temple.

Is our story of struggle also one of faith, hope, and love?

To speak words of grace, we must first name the powers and principalities that hold us captive.

The disciples remember every miracle that Jesus did, every truth that he proclaimed.

Before judging individuals for their sin, we should try to understand the forces of evil influencing them.