In the Lectionary
Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings by preachers, writers, and biblical scholars
June 8, Pentecost C John 14:8-17, (25-27)
John’s Gospel is permeated with an encouragement, indeed an insistence, on intimacy.
June 1, Easter 7 (John 17:20-26)
The question of unity always raises another question: On whose terms?
May 29, Ascension C (Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53)
People who have died do not typically eat fish, nor expound upon the scriptures, nor stand among us to offer a blessing and then get whisked away into heaven.
May 25, Easter 6C (John 5:1-9)
Again and again, God comes near and changes everything.
May 18, Easter 5C (John 13:31–35)
Jesus’ new commandment isn’t about who we should love. It’s about how.
May 11, Easter 4C (Psalm 23; John 10:22-30)
Jesus is very clear: Snatchers, no snatching!
May 4, Easter 3C (John 21:1-19)
John tells us the mother of all fish stories.
April 27, Easter 2C (John 20:19-31)
Why wasn’t Thomas with the others? Why did he eventually return?
April 20, Easter 1C (Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 24:1-12)
As the women prepared the oil and spices, I think they must have told stories.
April 18, Good Friday (John 18:1-19:42)
Good Friday is an annual reminder to ask who is crucified in our midst to distract from the crimes of those in power.
April 17, Maundy Thursday (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)
We need to find a way to wash each other’s feet, even when waging war feels better.
April 13, Palm Sunday C (Luke 19:28-40)
When we cannot praise, the rest of creation carries the song.
April 13, Passion C (Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Luke 23:1-49)
What do we do with our powerlessness?
April 6, Lent 5C (John 12:1-8)
What is it like to be at the table with the resurrected?
March 30, Lent 4c (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)
There is no resolution to the prodigal son story, only the resonance of the father’s words.
March 23, Lent 3C (Luke 13:1-9)
Who can resist the gardener’s advice to dig around deeply and replenish the soil?