Alternate First Reading

Hand washing
Commentary on Song of Solomon 2:8-13

For the proclaimer willing to take on a homiletical challenge, [...]

Fufu and eforiro on white plates (Bread of Life series)
Commentary on 1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11] 22-30, 41-43

One of my former colleagues, [...]

Noodles drying on a rack (Bread of Life series)
Commentary on 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

If you have had any experience with a congregation over [...]

Injera with other Ethiopian foods (Bread of Life series)
Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

David’s care for his son Absalom, despite his rebellion, is [...]

rice in a bowl with sesame seeds (Bread of Life)
Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a

Last week’s passage invited us to consider the spaces of [...]

bread with hand
Commentary on 2 Samuel 11:1-15

The David and Bathsheba narrative is a compelling text that [...]

landscape painting depicting Jesus on lakeshore
Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

David’s lack of tolerance for frustration over the constraints of [...]

Detail from painting depicting Herod's banquet, by Pedro García de Benabarre, ca. 1470
Commentary on 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

A joyful celebration of the transfer of the ark Celebrations [...]

dusty sandals
Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

This reading combines three different genres: a brief narrative about [...]

Hand reaching out to touch a rough surface
Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27

Perhaps, Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” was not as [...]