Sixth Sunday in Easter: First Reading, Acts 16:9-15 Acts 16:9-15 The gospel does its work. God’s Word does its work. Lydia is a target and our Lord doesn’t miss. His aim is impeccable. God had a woman in Philippi that he wanted all of us, all of history...
Fifth Sunday in Easter: Gospel, John 16:12-22 John 16:12-22 The issue of interpretation is key in our gospel passage this week. Primary recipients and recipients by extension is perhaps a good way to think of the instructions given here by...
Fifth Sunday in Easter: Second Reading, Revelation 21:1-7 Revelation 21:1-7 My, the first couple verses of this text are stunning. And surprising to some. It is the announcement that the apostle John is beholding the descent of “the holy city, the...
Fifth Sunday in Easter: First Reading, Acts 11:1-18 Acts 11:1-18 “Those of the circumcision contended with him.” A phrase lifted from verse 2 in our reading above. The “him” is Peter who had given account of his ministry to Gentiles of...
Fourth Sunday in Easter (Good Shepherd): Gospel, John 10:22-30 John 10:22-30 I wonder if you have thought of the gospels as a tale of suspense. Is the narrative of Jesus rightly to be encountered as a mystery? At first we need to distinguish how our culture uses the term versus...
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd): Psalm 23 Psalm 23 I cannot even imagine how many words have been written or spoken in the exposition of this golden poetry. In the West, I believe one would be hard pressed to find someone who may not know...
Fourth Sunday of Easter: First Reading, Acts 20:17-35 Acts 20:17-35 What a stunning portion of text is Paul’s instruction to other gathered elders in Acts 20. And we are this week only considering a portion of his guidance. All of his...
Third Sunday of Easter: Gospel, John 21:1-14 John 21:1-14 Fishing stories seem to gain people’s attention. At least the attention of those who love fishing. But I think it even spreads beyond that demographic. Everyone...
Third Sunday of Easter: Second Reading, Revelation 5:8-14 Revelation 5:8-14 A text of rejoicing. It’s proper. We’re in a season for rejoicing after all. Not too much comment but to say this: upon your reading and pondering of the text above, do...
Third Sunday of Easter: Psalm, Psalm 30 Psalm 30 It has been a terrible day so far. 8:43 a.m. on a beautiful Spring morning in Michigan. You’d think my mind and heart would be tilted differently...
