Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Mark 12:38-44 Mark 12:38-44 When I think of painted contrasts in the gospels my mind usually goes to the gospel through John. But here we see Mark heading in that same direction. John will use light and...
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, Hebrews 9:24-28 Hebrews 9:24-28 It’s one thing to argue that I have something to contribute to my salvation. Hence, the work of Jesus was insufficient. It’s another angle, but the very same...
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Psalm, Psalm 146 Psalm 146 Many people, in fact I would venture the great majority of people in the world live with this as their philosophy: “The goal of life is to be...
All Saints Day: Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed...
All Saints’ Day: Second Reading, 1 John 3:1-3 1 John 3:1-3 Such a beautiful passage. It must not be lifted out of its larger context as we sometimes want to do as readers. The...
All Saints’ Day: First Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 Revelation 7:9-17 Celebrate the saints! That is a valid proclamation. And the “Who” behind such an exhortation is what gives substance to it. The saints can be celebrated...
Reformation Sunday: Gospel: Matthew 11:12-19 Matthew 11:12-19 Open your Bible, read this passage and then jump into the commentaries. What you will find is a passage that has garnered much attention through the...
Reformation Sunday: Psalm, Psalm 46 Psalm 46 The readings for “Reformation Sunday” in our 3-year lectionary are magnificent. The epistle reading from Romans for the week...
Reformation Sunday: First Reading: Revelation 14:6-7 Revelation 14:6-7 Each year Reformation Sunday rolls around. Of course, it is a date in our country that is shared with Halloween. For better or worse, at least from the world’s...
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Mark 10:23-31 Mark 10:23-31 Can it still be a “thing"? People speak and wrangle and argue over what saves us before God. And people actually believe weak, paltry, sinful-to-the-core...
