First Reading

Rembrandt sketch of Jesus and Simon's mother-in-law
Commentary on Isaiah 40:21-31

This poem is a display in exilic hope. The hope this poem provides is ultimately [...]

Commentary on Malachi 3:1-4

Commentary for this text is forthcoming.

Matthew 3:16
Commentary on Genesis 1:1-5

In recent decades scholarly opinion on how to translate the opening words of Genesis—bereshit bara—has [...]

white sweatshirt with cartoon of figure with scribbles for brains
Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Epiphany is my favorite season in the church. It means [...]

Coventry Cathedral - Fish
Commentary on Jonah 3:1-5, 10

The book of Jonah is the fifth book of the minor prophets collection in our [...]

hands open to God's call
Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]

It is not a good time for God’s people. The [...]

Matthew 2:10
Commentary on Isaiah 60:1-6

In order to understand Isaiah 60:1–6 in its postexilic context, it is crucial to understand [...]

Baby in brown swaddle looking up
Commentary on Isaiah 61:10—62:3

An enduring challenge for preaching prophetic literature in the Advent [...]

Anunciation, Leonardo da Vinci, around 1472
Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

At first glance, the lectionary’s juxtaposition of this text—God’s promise [...]

Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Jose Leonardo ca. 1635
Commentary on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke [...]