First Reading

Mausoleum Stained Glass
Commentary on Isaiah 25:6-9

In this remarkable passage, the Lord prepares a lavish feast at the Lord’s own sacred [...]

The Widow's Mite
Commentary on 1 Kings 17:8-16

The literary shifts that bring us to chapter 17 in the book of Kings make [...]

Archangel Michael and the Devil
Commentary on Daniel 12:1-3

Following stories of trial and contest, the book of Daniel culminates in a series of [...]

Christ the King of Kings
Commentary on Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

The selection of Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 as a lectionary passage [...]

Supermoon and Eclipse
Commentary on Jeremiah 33:14-16

Advent is a season for feeling out of kilter. It [...]

Call from John the Baptist to Repent
Commentary on Malachi 3:1-4

Who can endure the day of his coming? The prophet Malachi raises a disturbing question [...]

Rodin's John the Baptist
Commentary on Zephaniah 3:14-20

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

Crypt, Siena
Commentary on Micah 5:2-5a

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

The birth of Jesus with shepherds
Commentary on Isaiah 9:2-7

The propensity of too many preachers is to take a hop, skip, and jump over [...]

Nativity
Commentary on Isaiah 62:6-12

At first glance this seems a strange text for this high celebration of the church [...]