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Discussion on texts for Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Ordinary 16; July 19, 2015): (Gospel) Mark 6:30-34, 53-56; (First Reading) Jeremiah 23:1-6; (Semicontinuous First Reading) 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 23; (Second Reading) Ephesians 2:11-22.

Pope Francis’s much anticipated encyclical entitled “Praised Be: On the Care of Our Common Home” was released on June 18. In it, he calls for an “integral ecology” attentive to both social and ecological dimensions (...)

Discussion on texts for Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 26, 2015): (Gospel) John 10:11-18; (First Reading) Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; (Second Reading) 1 John 3:16-24.

Easter and post-Easter lectionary passages naturally dwell on resurrection and salvation, themes that Christians sometimes separate from earthly concerns. Distancing heaven from earth in the lead-up to Earth Day (April 22) would be unfortunate. If (...)

Narrative Lectionary podcast on readings for Dec. 21, 2014: Matthew 1:18-25 (Accompanying text: Psalm 23:1-4, or 23:4).

Dear Working Preachers, Save the date. You know those postcards you get in the mail? Well, we all just got one. God is throwing a big party — and you are all invited. An extravagant (...)

Discussion on texts for Ordinary 28 (Oct. 12, 2014): (Gospel) Matthew 22:1-14; (1st Reading) Isaiah 25:1-9; (Semicontinuous 1st Reading) Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 23; (2nd Reading) Philippians 4:1-9.

Yesterday I planned to phone a friend while refueling my car. But the gas pump’s disembodied voice, not content with offering instructions and falling into welcome silence, prattled on for the next ten gallons about (...)

Discussion on texts for Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 11, 2014): (Gospel) John 10:1-10; (1st Reading) Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; (2nd Reading) 1 Peter 2:19-25.

Few people thrive on conflict. Yet leadership can bring us face to face with it in unexpected moments. What motivates normal people to overcome fear when confronting potential controversy? The sequence of passages from Acts (...)