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

A few years ago, while serving as a hospital chaplain, I received a call to a dying man’s bedside. Upon entering the room where a beautiful old man was breathing his last breaths, his son introduced himself to me: “Hi. I’m the oldest son, John.”

“Nice to meet you, John,” I replied, “I’m someone else’s oldest son, David. My heart goes out to you in this sad and holy moment.”