In the Lectionary
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.
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.