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1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
Epiphany 5A
In last week’s Epistolary Lesson commentary I suggested that preachers who feel called to proclaim 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 might consider entitling their message “Good News for Ordinary Christians.” This week I’d offer that preachers who proclaim 1 Corinthians 2 might consider entitling their message “Good News for Ordinary Gospel Proclaimers.” The faithful proclamation of the…
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Epiphany 4A
If I were to preach on this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson, I might entitle my message, “Good News For Ordinary People.” In this text, after all, Paul doesn’t primarily address the “100 Most Influential Christians.” He doesn’t even speak to that roster of preachers that seem to get invited to present at nearly every preaching conference….
Matthew 5:1-12
Epiphany 4A
This series of promises known as the Beatitudes continues to speak with hope, comfort, and possibly a little challenge. Most of us don’t want to claim these promises as prizes or rewards, and future glory can be a small comfort during current tragedy and hardship. But remembering the one who speaks these words may just…
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Epiphany 3A
This Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson’s opening plea almost sounds like it might have been clipped out of a 2026 church newsletter, denominational communication or Christian magazine. In verse 10, after all, Paul writes: “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another…
Matthew 4:12-23
Epiphany 3A
This is a different version, or perhaps we could say a similar story, to the discipleship calling narrative we had in the Gospel of John last week. Some of the same players are here though, even if in lesser roles: John the Baptist looms in the background and Andrew and his brother Simon Peter are…
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Epiphany 2A
It can be tempting for some Christians to assume that ministers of the Word and sacrament, as well as missionaries are the only people God ever calls. When pastors share that assumption, it can easily get us into some binds. Among them is the question, “Where exactly is God calling me to do ministry?” At…
John 1:29-42
Epiphany 2A
A theme in the Gospel of John is that of testimony, or being a reliable witness. Throughout the whole text, Jesus is establishing himself as needing no other witness. Here at the beginning of the narrative, we see John pointing to this reality through his own witness, supported by the witness of the prophecy he…
Matthew 3:13-17
Epiphany 1A
Unlike in the other baptism accounts in the gospels, where Jesus is the one who has an epiphany of sorts, Matthew lets us know that John the Baptist witnesses the revelation of heaven. In Mark and Luke, the words that boom down are “You are my Son,” but here John hears along with Jesus, “This…
Acts 10:34-43
Epiphany 1A
Few accusations carry more emotional wallop than that of favoritism. Some children hurt their parents by accusing them of favoring one child over another. How many employees haven’t at least quietly suspected their bosses were playing favorites with some of their workers? At least this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson’s Peter has the courage to admit he’d…
Ephesians 1:3-14
Christmas 2A
Is there a better way to begin anything, including a new year, than by talking about blessing? Paul might have seemed to think so. He, after all, begins this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson with three references to the Greek combination of eu and logos that’s often translated as some form of the English word “blessed.” In…
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