Scripture
September 17, Ordinary 24A (Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21)
Miriam’s song of victory prepares hearts to trust God in an uncertain future.
Blood on the door (Exodus 12:1-14)
The lamb’s blood isn’t insurance against the wrath of God. It is a proclamation of fealty.
When Judaism became Judaism
Archaeologist Yonatan Adler argues that widespread, ordinary observance of the Torah did not take place until the Hellenistic period.
A gospel that admits it’s a false prophecy
One of the most fascinating texts from early modern Europe is the Gospel of Barnabas.
September 10, Ordinary 23A (Matthew 18:15–20)
The only place in the Gospels where Jesus says anything about the church is Matthew 18—and not insignificantly, he brings it up in terms of conflict management.
Burning coals (Romans 12:9-21)
Paul confronts a persistent barrier to true contentment: other people.
September 3, Ordinary 22A (Exodus 3:1–15)
We see what we focus on—and what we focus on determines what we do not see.
Losing puns in translation (Matthew 16:13-20)
Jesus’ word association with “Peter” falls flat in almost every language.
What we think we know about God
“Anyone who thinks he knows the orthodox consensus can always be shown to be wrong,” says David Bentley Hart.
August 27, Ordinary 21A (Matthew 16:13–20)
I find it comforting to realize that Jesus recognizes the incompleteness of Peter’s understanding.
Forgive and forget? (Genesis 45:1-15)
Forgiveness is hard, and it’s hard for Joseph’s brothers to trust it.
August 20, Ordinary 20A (Genesis 45:1–15; Psalm 133)
The challenges to unity are great. The reward of unity is tremendous.
If favor were fair (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28)
Maybe Joseph’s brothers aren’t evil people but hurt people.
August 13, Ordinary 19A (Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28)
Is it possible to be completely and terribly wrong but not all bad?
August 6, Ordinary 18A (Matthew 14:13–21)
There are no ideal conditions for a miracle.
Discerning the body
Bodies get sick. What becomes of a church body when we enact unity at the table while ignoring our brokenness?
We still need books about biblical women’s liberation
Two new ones by Susan Hylen and Nijay Gupta offer correctives many churches have not yet internalized.
July 30, Ordinary 17A (Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52)
The kingdom of heaven inspires devotion, commitment, and downright unreasonableness.