This week's lectionary offers an alternate Gospel reading from John 5, highlighting Jesus' healing of a man at the pool of Beth-zatha. The narrative emphasizes the importance of agency, urging the church to actively listen to others' needs. Jesus’ question, “Do you want to be made well?” reflects a call for genuine, empathetic service rather than assumptions.
John 13:31-35 (5th Sunday of Easter) – May 18, 2025
The Gospel text during Easter reflects on Jesus' Last Supper and his commandment to love one another, emphasizing its significance for discipleship. This reminder to embody Christ's love remains vital today, as believers must actively demonstrate this love in the world. The call to love is ongoing and essential for community and faith.
John 10:22–30 (4th Sunday of Easter/Good Shepherd Sunday) – May 11, 2025
This week’s reflection explores Jesus’ confrontation with the crowds demanding to know his messianic intentions during the Festival of the Dedication. Instead of political clarity, he emphasizes a relational understanding of discipleship. The text offers hope for those seeking security and recognition amidst uncertainty, highlighting the essence of belonging in faith.
John 21:1-19 (3rd Sunday of Easter) – May 4, 2025
The Gospel of John emphasizes a new commandment: to love one another as Jesus loved us. This is illustrated through Peter's reinstatement after his betrayal. Jesus encourages disciples not only to profess love but to actively care for others. Genuine love transcends fear and divisions, reflecting Christ's teachings in our interactions.
John 20:19-31 (2nd Sunday of Easter) – April 27, 2025
The post reflects on the quiet moment following Easter, where congregations often feel exhausted after the celebrations. It emphasizes Jesus' gentle presence in times of uncertainty, offering peace and breath rather than pressure. Resurrection is portrayed as a continuous way of life, centered on the Spirit and the invitation to pause and breathe amidst chaos.
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 (Seventh Sunday after Epiphany) – February 23, 2025
The content discusses Paul's dialogue with the Corinthians regarding resurrection and the nature of curiosity in religious inquiry. It highlights the balance between seeking knowledge and accepting mystery in faith. Paul encourages openness to broader understandings while acknowledging limitations in human comprehension, emphasizing that curiosity can deepen our relationship with God.
Luke 6:27-38 (7th Sunday after Epiphany) – February 23, 2025
The passage emphasizes Jesus' radical command to "love your enemies," countering societal tendencies to condemn opponents. It stresses that mercy transcends convenience and fairness, encouraging unconditional kindness even amidst deep divisions. Dr. King's sermon reinforces this message, highlighting love's redemptive power as essential to overcoming hate and fostering unity.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (Sixth Sunday after Epiphany) – February 16, 2025
Paul addresses the Corinthians' doubts about the resurrection by exploring their cultural context, where concepts of afterlife and salvation differ from Christian beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of living a Christ-like life now, arguing that grace shouldn't lead to complacency. Ultimately, he advocates for a commitment to costly grace over cheap grace in Christian faith.
Luke 2:22-40 (Presentation of our Lord) – February 2, 2025
The commentary reflects on the Presentation of the Lord, focusing on the faithful waiting of Simeon and Anna as they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their anticipation embodies active trust in God’s promises and serves as a reminder that the Gospel challenges the status quo. The church must reflect this light of reconciliation while preparing congregants for hard truths amid joy and stability.
Luke 21:25-36 (1st Week of Advent) – December 1st, 2024
The post discusses the upcoming Christmas season juxtaposed with Jesus’ apocalyptic signs as described in the Gospel of Luke. It emphasizes that while the world experiences turmoil and fear, these events signify that God's kingdom is near. Hope emerges through active faith, urging believers to prepare for God's imminent return and to act as agents of change amidst chaos.
Micah Krey 