RCL: Perfume and Poor

Only human beings can take a text like “the poor will always be with you” and turn it into a hammer text. The first time I heard that some people thought that John 12:1-8 was about Jesus commanding us to keep people poor in this text, my jaw dropped. Not only does this turn something… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Yes, Mary Knew

It’s Magnificat Sunday! This week, we hear Elizabeth’s praise of Mary and her child, and Mary’s song of praise to God. How wonderful to have two female prophets in one worship service! As you speak about God’s call for them and their response, be sure to remember that your congregation includes worshippers who have struggled… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: Sunday’s Coming!

Tony Campolo famously preaches a sermon called “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!” and I’ve been hearing his voice in my head as it occurs to the preacher in me, SUNDAY’S COMING and SOON. The Narrative Lectionary is almost to the end of our journey through John’s gospel. Our passage for Sunday is John 20:1-18. Working Preacher… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Mary Edition

This post is intended to be a discussion of the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the 4th Sunday of Advent. If you’re looking for Christmas Eve or Day, check this page! Today’s Gospel lesson recounts Gabriel’s visit to Mary, telling her that she will become the mother of God incarnate. This passage has been getting… Read More