First Reading

man praying fervently
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:7-9

This poem opens with a string of commands: “Sing aloud with gladness!” “Raise loud shouts!” [...]

Stone crucifix against dark clouds
Commentary on Isaiah 53:4-12

When I was in seminary there was a joke circulating about a children’s sermon. A [...]

Christ and the Rich Young Man (painting by A. N. Mironov
Commentary on Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

In this passage, Amos preaches that ancient Israelite leaders incurred [...]

Two boys grasping each other and smiling
Commentary on Genesis 2:18-24

This passage depicts an immanent creator trying to make a fitting partner for the original [...]

Sand in outstretched palm
Commentary on Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

Murmuring has consequences. COVID complaints and challenges in our context [...]

Toddler reaching hand into puddle
Commentary on Jeremiah 11:18-20

While the use of a lectionary cycle provides preachers and [...]

Cross alongside road on mountain pass
Commentary on Isaiah 50:4-9a

The third Servant Song in Deutero-Isaiah (Isaiah 50:4-9a) probably has received less attention than its [...]

Elder adults sitting together on boardwalk
Commentary on Isaiah 35:4-7a

The lectionary text of this week is embedded in a joyful celebration of God’s definitive [...]

Dear standing in forest
Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

The season that we anticipate as the COVID pandemic seems [...]

Stay Awhile sign on bookshelf
Commentary on Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18

Covenant renewal happens even in the season of COVID-19. The [...]