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...
Salvation is God’s Business
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...
Why Do We Ever Say No?
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, Hebrews 4:1-13 Hebrews 4:1-13 The writer to the Hebrews is challenging his readers/hearers on all fronts as they make (hopefully) earnest investigation of his claims about Jesus. Just a few verses...
