First Reading

John 17:13
Commentary on Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

The story of the resurrection is the story of God [...]

Acts 2:2
Commentary on Acts 2:1-21

In telling the story of Pentecost, Luke struggles with a profound tension: How does one [...]

hands open to God's call
Commentary on Isaiah 6:1-8

Is faith in God an escape from reality? Does the prophet offer “opium” for a [...]

Mark 2:23
Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:12-15

The Sabbath is usually only associated with rest. However, the [...]

Genesis 3:11b
Commentary on Genesis 3:8-15

At first glance the lectionary readings for the third Sunday after Pentecost in Year B [...]

Mark 4:32
Commentary on Ezekiel 17:22-24

Ezekiel can proclaim God’s judgment in stark, forceful ways: “You [...]

Mark 4:39b
Commentary on Job 38:1-11

God’s speech from the whirlwind is a long time coming. Job and his friends have [...]

Mark 5:42
Commentary on Lamentations 3:22-33

Spring is the time when elementary school children learn about [...]

Amos 7:8
Commentary on Amos 7:7-15

Prophets are unpopular, and Amos is no exception. In this passage, we see a fragment [...]

Mark 6:31
Commentary on Jeremiah 23:1-6

Jeremiah’s critique of leaders is born from his compassion for the people. “Woe!” This passage [...]