4th Sunday after Pentecost Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:6-17; Mark 4:26-34 Creation comes proclaiming to us the radical grace of God on this 4th Sunday after Pentecost. It provides everything a seed needs to grow. If the sower scatters it on fertile ground and goes to take care of something else, the …
The Word this Sunday – 06.09.24
3rd Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 3:8-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1; Mark 3:20-35 In the scene of the gospel of Mark this Sunday, everyone either wants to restrain Jesus or have a piece of him for themselves. The crowd, longing for healing and nourishment, will not even allow Jesus and the disciples to eat (3:20). …
The Word this Sunday – 06.02.24
2nd Sunday after Pentecost Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 81:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23—3:6 The Revised Common Lectionary returns to Mark on the second Sunday after Pentecost. In the gospel lessons, Jesus is asked a question that begs for an answer: Why were his disciples doing what was deemed unlawful on the Sabbath? It’s a loaded …
The Word this Sunday – 05.19.24
Pentecost Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Happy birthday to the royal priesthood of all believers and the beloved church of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It has been around for approximately two thousand and twenty-some years and will remain around for as long as the Holy Spirit of truth …
The Word this Sunday – 06.02.24
2nd Sunday after Pentecost Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Psalm 81:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23—3:6 The Revised Common Lectionary returns to Mark on the second Sunday after Pentecost. In the gospel lessons, Jesus is asked a question that begs for an answer: Why were his disciples doing what was deemed unlawful on the Sabbath? It’s a loaded …
The Word this Sunday – 05.12.24
7th Sunday of Easter Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 In chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, Jesus has finished his last words for the disciples after the example of the foot washing and the command to love one another as he has loved them (chapter 13). He knows he …
The Word this Sunday – 05.05.24
6th Sunday of Easter Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 This Sunday, as Jesus elaborates on his image as the vine, the Revised Common Lectionary moves us from “abide in me” (John 15:4) to “abide in my love” (verse 9). Both are proclaimed in the Greek imperative form. Therefore, both statements are …
The Word this Sunday – 04.28.24
5th Sunday of Easter Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8 The 5th Sunday of the Resurrection brings another agricultural image—this time with undertones of plant physiology—about the presence of God incarnate in the human form of Jesus from Nazareth (I AM, see https://wp.me/p9drFo-tN). The setting differs from the Good Shepherd discourse in …
The Word this Sunday – 04.21.24
Good Shepherd Sunday - 4th Sunday of Easter Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18 I AM is code word for Yahweh’s presence. The divine shepherd who promised restoration and abundant life for those who believe is here to lay down his life for the people (John 10:15). The good shepherd discourse in …
The Word this Sunday – 04.14.24
3rd Sunday of Easter Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48 On this third Sunday of Easter, the revised common lectionary presents Luke’s version of Jesus's post-resurrection appearance to the disciples. Some of the same themes are present. The disciples are afraid and still doubting. Then Jesus makes himself present in flesh and …
Bridging Faith 