[RCL] Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 This morning, on All Saints’ Day, we remember that we are part of a family—a very big family we call the Communion of Saints. It is a family that includes you and me, those who are here with us today, and the saints we…

[RCL] Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 It’s possible that the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” referred to at the end of this parable is being performed by anybody who has to preach on this Gospel passage this morning. The kingdom of heaven is like … a king with anger issues, a…

[RCL] Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Children learn at an early age to measure success by how well they succeed at tests. You are taught to study hard and to engage in class discussions along the way, seeking the necessary insights to excel in your coursework. But often there is…

[RCL] Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 A great many preaching resources that reflect on today’s Gospel message seek to drive home the fact that this parable is an allegory—a parable or story with a moral or ethical message. The trouble, however, is that when many preachers see the word allegory,…

[RCL] Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Paul’s letter to the church in Thessaloniki is believed to be the first of his surviving letters to be included in the Bible. This makes it the earliest existing example of Christian writing about Jesus and the emerging community of his followers. Evidence in the…

LCR: Jonás 3:10–4:11; Salmo 145:1–8; Filipenses 1:21–30; Mateo 20:1–16.  Una de las historias que se quedan para siempre en la memoria, desde nuestra niñez, es la de Jonás salvado de las aguas y pasando tres días en el estómago de un gran pez. Aunque sólo recordemos esa imagen, la historia de este profeta es relevante…

LCR: Génesis 50:15–2; Salmo 103:(1–7), 8–13; Romanos 14:1–12; Mateo 18:21–35 Hay un documental sobre Combatants for Peace, un movimiento de base formado por personas palestinas e israelíes que alguna vez participaron en el ciclo de la violencia y que ahora trabajan juntas para ponerle fin. En el documental se escuchan las historias de redención de…

[RCL] Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Someone with a lot of time on their hands once estimated that during his ministry, Jesus asked 307 questions, was asked 183 questions by others, and gave direct answers to only three questions. John the Baptist asks Jesus early on in his ministry, “Are you…

[RCL] Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42 Summer is coming. A time of gatherings and celebrations, in which many of us have something fun planned: perhaps with family, perhaps with friends. These celebrations can be wonderful opportunities to meet with small or wide circles of people, to catch up and form stronger bonds. Food…

[RCL]: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 A thread of human discontent runs through scripture. Doesn’t it also run through our lives? Since the beginning, since the munching of forbidden fruits, the grasping for birthrights, the wannabe dreamers, the freed who’d rather have melons and leeks…we have been those who suffer from…