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Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25
Proper 28B
While Hebrews’ author uses the word only in chapter 10:22, one might argue that plerophoria that most English versions translate as “assurance” is the beating heart of not just this week’s Epistolary Lesson’s message, but also all of Hebrews’. In fact, while the entirety of the Scriptures uses the word only twice, one might make…
Mark 13:1-8
Proper 28B
In more ways the one, the disciples’ attention is pointed towards the wrong things. It’s not that they are thinking of bad things. It’s more like they haven’t learned to filter things through the Kingdom mindset Jesus has been modelling to them yet. The temple has always been a significant place/thing. From David who wanted…
Mark 12:38-44
Proper 27B
We go from a scribe who is “not far from the kingdom of God” to those who are living as though they have no interest in God’s kingdom at all. And that’s saying something for a group of people whose role is to guide others in understanding God’s intent. Jesus says, “Beware of the scribes…”…
Hebrews 9:24-28
Proper 27B
This Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson addresses an issue that western citizens of the 21st century would prefer not to talk about: death. We are, Hebrews 9:27 announces, “destined [apokeitai*] to die [apothanein] once [hapax].” In other words, from the moment our parents conceive us, each one of us is on a one-way road to death that…
Hebrews 9:11-14
Proper 26B
This week’s Epistolary Lesson is a bloody one. In fact, it’s so bloody that citizens of the already figuratively blood-soaked 21st century may be uncomfortable with it. Even its preachers and teachers may wonder how to apply Hebrews 9’s truths to a world that’s already in some ways soaked in the blood of war, ethnic…
Mark 12:28-34
Proper 26B
Prior to our lectionary text, Jesus has been engaging in debates with the temple leaders—most recently with the Sadducees about the resurrection. Now, Mark says, a scribe who’s been listening in decides to ask Jesus his own question. However, unlike the leaders who have gone before him, this scribe isn’t trying to debate, catch Jesus…
Mark 10:46-52
Proper 25B
Well, at least it wasn’t the disciples this time. There are a lot of deep running themes in this scene, but why would be surprised by that? Jesus has shown himself time and time again to be a certain kind of Messiah in the Gospel of Mark, and as Mark’s narrative enters a new stage…
Hebrews 7:23-28
Proper 25B
In the United States, this is a season of campaigning and electioneering. On top of all the uncertainty that elections ordinarily create is the fact that the incumbent president, Joseph Biden, is not running for re-election. America’s next president will be different from the current one. This means that there will be a transition between…
Mark 10:35-45
Proper 24B
Comments, Questions, and Observations Saying, “Before I ask you something, I want you to promise me that you’ll do whatever I ask,” is almost always a sign that something is amiss. On the positive, the person making the request could have more confidence in the person they are speaking to than that person has in…
Hebrews 5:1-10
Proper 24B
This Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson is so grounded in Jewish theology and praxis that 21st century non-Jewish preachers may find it challenging to preach about in a way that’s faithful to both the text and our own context. However, given the text’s focus on the work of a high priest, preachers might ask if there are…
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