The Day After the Last
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, Daniel 12:1-3 Daniel 12:1-3 Hope. It is a teaching of the Holy Scriptures relating to the forward look of God’s people in all ages. If...
Contrast
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...
Once
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...
Happy People
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...
In Good Company
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...
The Great Apostle of Love
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...
Celebrate!
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...
A New Day
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...
Fear Not
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...
Long Time Coming
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...
