First Reading

Broken crutches in park
Commentary on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

The book of Nehemiah continues to tell the story of [...]

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Commentary on Isaiah 62:1-5

The book of Isaiah is traditionally divided into three sections: First Isaiah (chapters 1–39) corresponds [...]

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Commentary on Isaiah 43:1-7

The theme linking the first reading and the Gospel passage for this Sunday is chosenness. [...]

Detail from Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's
Commentary on Isaiah 60:1-6

Isaiah 60:1–6 resonates strongly with Epiphany’s theme of the manifestation of Jesus as the light [...]

Photo of candle light in the darkness
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:7-14

The origins of the phrase “afflict the comfortable and comfort [...]

The birth of Jesus with shepherds
Commentary on Isaiah 62:6-12

This Christmas, many Christians feel hopeless. Military violence, political strife, and environmental disasters have made [...]

Photo of one match lighting another in the dark
Commentary on Isaiah 52:7-10

Isaiah 52:7–10 marks the climax of Isaiah 40–55 (frequently designated “Second Isaiah”). Decades after Babylon [...]

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Commentary on Isaiah 9:2-7

Isaiah 9:2–7 is a familiar text for Christians because of its association with the birth [...]

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Commentary on Micah 5:2-5a

The prophet Micah was active during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history.1 According to the [...]

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Commentary on Zephaniah 3:14-20

What would happen if God interrupted us?1 What if God [...]