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Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Sermon Commentary
Proper 17B
Digging Into the Text: Once again the RCL takes a longer, complicated text and tries to make it briefer and simpler with some judicious chopping and trimming. Sometimes this move toward simplicity actually makes the preacher’s task more difficult, even as it raises the suspicions of the more knowledgeable members of the congregation. That may…
Psalm 45 Sermon Commentary
Proper 17B
Digging into the Text: In reading this Psalm something about the phrase “palaces adorned with ivory” struck a chord in my memory. After some reflection I realized it was a hymn from my childhood entitled “Ivory Palaces.” It could be found in many hymnals from the first half of the 20th century, and was made…
James 1:17-27 Sermon Commentary
Proper 17B
Those who dare to preach and teach James must be theologically disciplined. Its interpretation is, after all, perhaps more than that of any other epistle, if not any New Testament book, especially vulnerable to moralizing. Even a quick scan of contemporary sermons and writings reveals not just a love for the book, but also a…
Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Sermon Commentary
Proper 17B
This is first and only time the Song of Songs appears in the Revised Common Lectionary, and it is an odd time. I mean that the reading clearly refers to the first days of spring, while we are in the last days of summer. What can we do with this oddly timed and controversial reading?…
Commentary posted on August 27, 2018
Proper 17B Sermon Commentary
The Proper 17B Sermon Starters include commentary and illustration ideas for Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 from the Lectionary Gospel; Song of Solomon 2:8-13 from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 45 from the Lectionary Psalms; and James 1:17-27 from the Lectionary Epistle.
Related Reformed confession: Lectionary Epistle: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 118 (Lord’s Day 45)