First Reading

spray-painted hearts
Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:1-9

In Deuteronomy 6, we encounter Moses as the great teacher, [...]

Raising of Lazarus by Peter Paul Morandell on the facade of the cemetery chapel in Rum, Tyrol (1956)
Commentary on Isaiah 25:6-9

The art of preaching biblical poems might helpfully involve being captivated by an image that [...]

Millstone in a garden
Commentary on Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

Numbers 11 invites the reader to reflect on leadership during [...]

a mighty fortress
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:31-34

If you are somewhat taken aback by the announcement of [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:7-9

Are we in the right book? “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob …” (Jeremiah 31:7)?!1 [...]

Lucas van Leyden: Detail from Inner left wing of a diptych with Christ as the Man of Sorrows
Commentary on Isaiah 53:4-12

Today’s reading, Isaiah 53:4–12, moves from humiliation to celebration. It ends the fourth of the [...]

threading a needle
Commentary on Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

In a course on the prophets, a professor of mine [...]

judge's gavel
Commentary on Genesis 2:18-24

In a passage that differs from the first description of the creation of humankind in [...]

Children embracing with smiles
Commentary on Jeremiah 11:18-20

A phrase not uncommon in English translation among the prophets [...]

Man looking sternly in rebuke
Commentary on Isaiah 50:4-9a

In a book full of evocative language, the servant song1 of Isaiah 50 stands out: “The [...]