Walk Into the Text

When the Rabbi’s read they walk into the text. They bring themselves to it and step across the edge of the scroll, jump up onto its body, bouncing a little, believing it will hold their weight. And...

In Uncategorized, new testament, russell rathbun, Numbers, 2 Thessalonians, oral tradition, Old Testament, 2 Kings, Wisdom, the hardest question, 2 Corinthians, 1 Corinthians, question the text, Colossians, Psalms, Ephesians, Rabbi, Hosea, 1 Timothy, Leviticus, torah, Isaiah, Exodus, Romans, midrash, Malachi, questions, Featured, 1 John, 1 Thessalonians, Hebrews, John, 1 Samuel, Philemon, 1 Peter, Philippians, 1 Kings, Jonah, Joel, 2 Timothy, James, Deuteronomy, Ruth, YearC, YearB, Mark, YearA, 2 Samuel, Revelation, Luke, Micah, Talmud, Job, Jeremiah, Amos, Acts, Matthew, Genesis, Proverbs, Galatians

Not Ready for the Darkness

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2:13-23

For Sunday, December 29, 2013—Year A:  Christmas 1

This is a weird scripture to read a few days after Christmas, it is appropriate in that it deals...

In new testament, russell rathbun, question the text, evil, Wise Men, creche, goodness, love wins, YearA, Herod, Matthew

Having Epistle for Christmas?

by Russell Rathbun

Epistle Reading:  Hebrews 2:10-18

For Sunday, December 29, 2013—Year A:  Christmas 1

Going head-to-head with la sacra famiglia escaping to Egypt at the behest of an angel? This...

In Martin Luther, new testament, russell rathbun, salvation, question the text, grace, antlegomena, Featured, Hebrews, pioneer, YearA, holy family

Joseph Models the Embrace of a Child Who is Radically Unlike Him

by Lauren F. Winner

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 1:18-25

For Sunday, December 22, 2013: Year A—Advent 4

My colleague Stanley Hauerwas is always saying something like “if you want to learn how to welcome...

In Advent, children, Hospitality, new testament, Andrew Solomon, Lauren Winner, Joseph, Featured, incarnation, Far from the Tree, YearA, transgender, welcome, Matthew, Down Syndrome, stranger

Mixed Messages

by Unvirtuous Abbey

Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:46b–55 [Alternative]

For Sunday, December 15, 2013—Advent 3

Given the glitches in our technology, such as sending texts to the wrong person, I can’t help...

In new testament, virgin, hurricane, rape, virgin birth, Unvirtuous Abbey, Featured, YearA, Luke, Philippines, angel

Merry Christmas?

by Mike Stavlund

Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

For Sunday, December 8, 2013: Year C—Advent 2

Most of us wouldn’t let J to the B into our sanctuaries, that’s for sure. He is more than a little...

In Advent, new testament, Mike Stavlund, revolution, YearA, vipers, john the baptist, Matthew, waiting

Incarnation, Schmincarnation

by Danielle Shroyer

Epistle Reading: Romans 13:11-14

For Sunday, December 1, 2013:  Year A—Advent 1

Oh, the use of the word “flesh” in the New Testament letters: is there anything more thrilling to...

In Uncategorized, new testament, sarx, Romans, Danielle Shroyer, flesh, incarnation, YearA, Paul

Let’s All Get Left Behind

by Danielle Shroyer

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

For Sunday, December 1, 2013:  Year A—Advent 1 

When I was a teenager, I saw this video from the 1970’s that depicted the “rapture.” It had all of...

In Advent, new testament, rapture, left behind, Danielle Shroyer, YearA, eschatology, Matthew

Just, Finally, Answer the Question

by Russell Rathbun

In new testament, russell rathbun, question the text, Messiah, revised common lectionary, cross, Featured, king, two thieves, YearC, midrasch, Luke, Christ the King

The sky is falling! Everything is fine!

by Danielle Shroyer

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19

For Sunday, Novemeber 17, 2013:  Year C—Lectionary 33

Who doesn’t love to preach on these doomsday apocalyptic texts?! In addition to being used only...

In new testament, Jesus, chicken little, Featured, Danielle Shroyer, resolve, keep calm and carry on, Luke, apocalyptic