First Reading

rice in a bowl with sesame seeds (Bread of Life)
Commentary on Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15

This text from Exodus begins what is known as the [...]

bread with hand
Commentary on 2 Kings 4:42-44

Elisha carries on the work of his prophet-mentor Elijah—to counter the powers and principalities of [...]

landscape painting depicting Jesus on lakeshore
Commentary on Jeremiah 23:1-6

First of all, no, it is not Good Shepherd Sunday in the lectionary cycle. But [...]

Detail from painting depicting Herod's banquet, by Pedro García de Benabarre, ca. 1470
Commentary on Amos 7:7-15

Amos is a peculiar prophet in a couple of ways. First, he was a Judean [...]

dusty sandals
Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1-5

The book of Ezekiel situates us in an exilic community of Israelites in Babylon. This [...]

Hand reaching out to touch a rough surface
Commentary on Lamentations 3:22-33

Aaaugh!  Last week, I invited the preacher to consider counter-testimony [...]

waves in darkness
Commentary on Job 38:1-11

The season after Pentecost—an extended season of ordinary time—feels like Groundhog Day in the pulpit [...]

Flowering plant
Commentary on Ezekiel 17:22-24

The message of the book of Ezekiel is thoroughly informed [...]

Snake in dimly lit foliage
Commentary on Genesis 3:8-15

The relationship between God and the primeval couple undergoes a seismic change after they eat [...]

field of grain
Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:12-15

In the context of the Israelites’ journey to the promised [...]