Alternate First Reading

A Widening Circle, photo
Commentary on Genesis 45:1-15

The book of Genesis not only recounts the creation of the world, but also details [...]

Detail from Jesus Feeding the 5000 from the Hagia Sophia.
Commentary on Genesis 32:22-31

This story appears foreboding, with Jacob alone at night. It [...]

Landscape with Elijah and the Angel by Gaspard Dughet.
Commentary on Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

Let us consider the circumstances of this text. Joseph’s father, [...]

loaves of bread
Commentary on Genesis 29:15-28

This week’s lesson continues the saga of the ancestors of [...]

Commentary on Genesis 28:10-19a

Growing up in a spiritually animated culture in Central Alabama, [...]

Commentary on Genesis 25:19-34

Genesis 25:19-34 continues the Abraham story through his progeny, now [...]

chain
Commentary on Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

Genesis 24 in the Protestant bible is 67 verses long. [...]

Detail from Richard Norris Brooke's A Pastoral Visit, 1881
Commentary on Genesis 22:1-14

Genesis 22:1-14 really stands out. It is a shocking story, showing God commanding the deadly [...]

Commentary on Genesis 21:8-21

Hagar and Ishmael are two of the greatest underdogs in the patriarchal narrative. Among the [...]

Commentary on Genesis 18:1-15 [21:1-7]

In the lectionary, this text follows the original calling of [...]