Matthew's birth narrative emphasizes Joseph's quiet obedience amidst uncertainty rather than celebration. Rather than acting from moral superiority, Joseph's righteous response embodies compassion despite limited understanding. His actions facilitate God's work, highlighting that obedience involves relinquishing power and creating space for new life, challenging traditional expectations during Advent.
Matthew 11:2-11 (3rd Sunday of Advent) – December 14, 2025
The post explores John the Baptist's crisis of faith as he questions whether Jesus is the expected Messiah. Initially heralding a figure of judgment, John finds Jesus embodying mercy and restoration instead. This tension encourages reflection on human expectations versus divine reality, inviting acceptance of a Messiah who heals rather than conquers.
Matthew 3:1-12 (2nd Sunday of Advent) – December 7, 2025
In Advent, John the Baptist’s portrayal in Matthew is pivotal for understanding the transition from John's prophetic authority to Jesus. Matthew aims to address both insiders seeking control and outsiders needing hope. The prophetic message invites communal reorientation, emphasizing openness and transformation within the kingdom of heaven as it expands, challenging readers to avoid exclusivity.
Matthew 24:36-44 (1st Sunday of Advent) – November 30, 2025
Matthew's Gospel contrasts with others by using a prophetic tone that emphasizes judgment as a call for change rather than fear. The apocalyptic sections urge communities to actively engage in justice and compassion, preparing for Christ's return by embodying God's care for others. Advent is a time for spiritual attentiveness and immediate action towards love and justice.
Turning Our Eyes Toward Matthew and Grounding in Year A
As a new lectionary year begins, Matthew's Gospel invites reflection through its unique lens. Addressing both Jewish and Gentile followers, Matthew intertwines tradition with inclusive teachings, urging a return to God’s justice amidst chaos. His prophetic voice emphasizes community care while expanding the Gospel's reach to all nations, blending rootedness with transformation.
Luke 23:33-43 (Christ the King) – November 23, 2025
Christ the King Sunday in Luke reveals a Messiah who overturns power not through revolution but through mercy. From the Magnificat to the cross, Jesus challenges entrenched systems—even our own. His kingship dismantles illusions, levels divisions, and meets us with forgiveness. At the end of the year, his kingdom of compassion begins again.
Luke 21:5-19 (23rd Sunday after Pentecost) – November 16, 2025
The post discusses the significance of apocalyptic texts in the lectionary, emphasizing their role in preparing Christians for hope rather than fear. It highlights the early church's reliance on these narratives amid turmoil, illustrating that despair is not the end of the story. Ultimately, it calls believers to share hope and testify to God’s transformative power.
Luke 16:1-13 (15th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 21, 2025
This parable presents a challenging interpretation, differing from typical depictions of God's grace. It reflects real-life complexities, questioning our actions amidst imperfection. While the manager's motives aren't purely altruistic, he aids his community despite uncertainty. It challenges us to act toward love and justice, trusting in God's grace amid our flaws.
Luke 15:1-10 (14th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 14, 2025
Luke 15, the "lost and found" chapter, presents parables illustrating God's relentless love for the lost and the joy of reconciliation. These parables target both sinners and religious insiders, emphasizing the need for honest confession and repentance. Genuine repentance leads to freedom and restoration, allowing God's grace to transform lives and relationships.
Luke 14:25-33 (13th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 7, 2025
Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship requires a radical commitment, prioritizing allegiance to him above all else. He warns that following him entails counting the cost, including the potential loss of family ties and possessions. Discipleship is not about power or worldly success but about transformative love and self-sacrifice.
Micah Krey 