December 30, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
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...
December 16, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
by Lauren F. Winner
Psalm Reading: Psalm 80:1-7
For Sunday, December 22, 2013: Year A—Advent 4
We are nearing Christmas, and we are given to pray, as a community, a psalm of lament.
I feel I...
December 9, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
by Unvirtuous Abbey
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 35:1–10
For Sunday, December 15, 2013—Advent 3
“Tell your sister...you were right.” ~ Anakin Skywalker, Return of the Jedi
“This is very cruel,...
December 2, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
by Mike Stavlund
Psalm Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
For Sunday, December 8, 2013: Year C—Advent 2
It seems one of the growing subtexts of the Christmas season is the self-perception of the...
October 28, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
by Carol Howard Merritt
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1:10-18
For Sunday, Novemeber 3, 2013: Year C —Lectionary 31
I sat in a circle of clergywomen, and once we realized that the space was safe with...
October 20, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
Old Testament Reading: Joel 2:23-32
For Sunday, October 27, 2013: Year C—Lectionary 30
For being such a small book Joel packs a punch in the Liturgical calendar. Not only do we...
October 13, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 32:22–31
For Sunday, October 20, 2013: Year C—Lectionary 29
It was just after the Cold War, and those kitschy Gorbachev forehead fake tattoos were for...
October 7, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
by Russell Rathbun
Psalm Reading: Psalm 111
For Sunday, October 13, 2013—Lectionary 28
I don’t think liberals praise the Lord enough. I don’t mean to alienate anyone or divide folks into camps. I am...
September 8, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
by Lauren F. Winner
Psalm Reading: Psalm 51
For Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013: Year C—Lectionary 24
“My mistakes are always before my eyes” reads Pamela Greenberg’s translation. “I am deeply conscious of my...
August 26, 2013 | by The Hardest Question
Psalm Reading: Psalm 81
For Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013: Year C—Lectionary 22
God as farmer, and grocer, and master baker all at once: Psalm 81 shows us god feeding us, providing food...