Second Reading

Mosaic of Martin Luther's rose on white stucco wall
Commentary on Romans 3:19-28

Of all the reasons Paul might have written to the Roman house churches, addressing the [...]

man praying fervently
Commentary on Hebrews 7:23-28

The reading for this week from Hebrews 7:23–28 provides a summary of a rather important [...]

Stone crucifix against dark clouds
Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10

How often do congregations hear a sermon that uses Hebrews as its primary text? This [...]

Christ and the Rich Young Man (painting by A. N. Mironov
Commentary on Hebrews 4:12-16

The second in this series of readings from Hebrews focuses on two very rich passages: [...]

Two boys grasping each other and smiling
Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

The “letter” to the Hebrews is best heard as an [...]

Sand in outstretched palm
Commentary on James 5:13-20

We live in a world where suffering abounds. From the lingering impacts of COVID-19, to [...]

Toddler reaching hand into puddle
Commentary on James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a

Following Christ, being God’s friend, is not simply a matter [...]

Cross alongside road on mountain pass
Commentary on James 3:1-12

For the last two weeks, the lectionary selections in James have highlighted the critical distance [...]

Elder adults sitting together on boardwalk
Commentary on James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17

We may know in our minds that God loves everyone, [...]

Dear standing in forest
Commentary on James 1:17-27

“Half a foot between knowledge and wisdom”: that’s the short and oh so very long [...]