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.
John 12:1-8 (5th Sunday in Lent) – April 6, 2025
This passage from John's Gospel highlights Mary’s profound act of devotion towards Jesus as he prepares for his imminent death. It contrasts her radical faith with Judas' pragmatic objections, posing essential questions about true devotion. As we approach Holy Week, it invites us to center our attention on Christ and embrace the promise of resurrection.
Luke 13:1-9 (3rd Sunday in Lent) – March 23, 2025
This week's text explores human dynamics and theodicy through a parable told by Jesus. He emphasizes personal repentance rather than judging others. The gardener's plea for more time encourages growth and grace. The narrative highlights the need for patience and investment in both our spiritual lives and the lives of those around us.
Luke 13:31-35 (2nd Sunday of Lent) – March 16th, 2025
In this reflection for the 2nd week of Lent, Jesus embodies the longing to break Jerusalem's cycle of violence, contrasting the protective love of a mother hen with the predatory nature of power. The narrative highlights the city's history, the grief of rejection, and the enduring call for mercy amidst ongoing oppression and conflict.
Luke 4:1-13 (1st Sunday in Lent) – March 9, 2025
The content explores the Lukan account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, highlighting differences from Matthew's version. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' resistance to temptation, framing Lent as a time for spiritual growth rather than mere self-denial. Ultimately, it suggests that temptation's significance expands beyond the wilderness to Jerusalem, symbolizing hope through resurrection.
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.
Micah Krey 