Revised Common Lectionary: Unveiling

As we approach the end of a calendar year, this week’s lectionary readings reference the end of time. At least, that’s what the apocalyptic readings of Daniel and Revelation seem to be about, at first blush. The Ancient One takes the throne, and Jesus arrives on the clouds. What we forget sometimes is that “apocalypse”… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Listening before Giving

Jesus demonstrates a beautiful lesson in this week’s Gospel reading: do not assume that you know the needs or desires of another person. Bartimaeus called out to Jesus for mercy. He could have asked Jesus for any number of things. Though he’s known to us now simply as a blind beggar, certainly there was more… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Prayers and Whining

If you were ever going to have a “superheroes of the Bible” series in worship, this would be a great week to start! Esther saves the lives of an entire nation. And Harbona the eunuch gives a solid assist. A woman as a superhero with a queer sidekick? This Bible reading pushes more boundaries than… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: As for me and my household…

The Revised Common Lectionary continues the theme of bread in this week’s reading from John. In today’s passage, Jesus calls his own body and blood the bread from heaven, which will grant eternal life. These words must have sounded strange to Jesus’ Jewish followers, who would have followed strict dietary laws regulating which types of… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Food For Thought

There is a lot of food for thought in this week’s Revised Common Lectionary lessons! And no matter how many people partake in that food, there will be leftovers – at least according to the readings from 2 Kings and John. So, in that spirit, here are a few tidbits to help get your sermon… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Blood and Life and Equity

This week’s Revised Common Lectionary Gospel reading should carry a trigger alert for feminine health concerns. And also – what a blessing that a health issue particular to people with uteruses is addressed in Scripture! Moreover, Jesus does not follow the traditional teaching of his religion claiming that the woman who asks for healing is… Read More

RCL: Come, Holy Spirit!

Pentecost! The culmination of the Christian season of Easter, originally a Jewish festival, which is why the Jewish followers of Jesus were gathered together for this religious observance. Still recovering from their grief at the crucifixion, joy at the resurrection, and confusion at Jesus’ brief stay with them prior to the Ascension. Pentecost! That day… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: A New Hope

UPDATE: After this column was posted, another mass murder/hate crime took place in the USA. How are you addressing this violence against people of Asian descent in your worshipping communities? Perhaps this Sunday it would be appropriate to include an extended litany of lament and confession, based on Psalm 51. ADDITIONALLY: this week, leadership at… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: First (or 52nd) Sunday in Lent.

Welcome to Lent. Welcome back to Lent. Welcome to the longest Lent-ish season that many of us have experienced! For most preachers and faith communities around the world, a lockdown in response to the global pandemic occurred sometime during Lent last year. For some of us, it feels as though Lent never ended in 2020.… Read More