Second Reading

Ambulance with flashing lights streaming past lit building
Commentary on Romans 8:22-27

In exploring our lectionary text, it is helpful to review briefly the argument Paul has [...]

Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles by Duccio di Buoninsegna
Commentary on 1 John 5:9-13

John 5:9–13 presents one of the central tenets of Johannine theology, which is in turn [...]

Man
Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23

Ephesians 1:15 begins the letter’s thanksgiving, a customary element of [...]

Red apples on tree
Commentary on 1 John 5:1-6

Sometimes I wonder if the author of 1 John ever had any children when he [...]

Peaches on a branch
Commentary on 1 John 4:7-21

Today’s passage contains some of the most moving and profound teachings on love in the [...]

Commentary on 1 John 3:16-24

Words are powerful, and as preachers, we do not take our own words or the [...]

Christ Appearing to the Apostles after the Resurrection, William Blake, c.1795
Commentary on 1 John 3:1-7

First John 3 opens with an exclamation of exuberant wonder: “See what love the Father [...]

The Resurrected Christ Appearing to His Disciples, Luca Signorelli, 1514
Commentary on 1 John 1:1—2:2

First John begins mid-thought, caught up in the exuberance of [...]

Photo of stairs going up from a cave in Cyrus
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

First Corinthians 15:1–11 serves as a prelude to an important [...]

Black and white photo of a cross
Commentary on Hebrews 10:16-25

The author’s reflection on Jesus as our “great high priest,” [...]