Holy Trinity Sunday often pushes the church toward certainty, but Matthew’s Gospel offers something more honest. In the NRSVUE, the disciples worship and doubt simultaneously before being sent into the world. This commentary explores worship, uncertainty, and why the church must continually return to Christ before speaking with authority.
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21 & John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39) – May 24, 2026
Pentecost reveals a Spirit that moves toward humanity and creates understanding across difference. In a world exhausted by division, suspicion, and constant conflict, the church is called not to erase differences or demand sameness, but to become a people who listen deeply, trust the Spirit, and seek connection where others expect separation.
John 17:1-11 (7th Sunday of Easter) – May 17, 2026
On the Sunday between Ascension and Pentecost, John 17 speaks to disciples living in the “meantime.” Jesus prays not for escape from the world, but faithfulness within it. Christ’s prayer reminds the church that uncertainty is not abandonment, and discipleship is lived through connection, trust, and love in an unfinished world.
John 14:15-21 (6th Sunday of Easter) – May 10, 2026
In a tense moment, Jesus reassures his disciples, who will soon falter in their faith, that love and obedience are about maintaining a relationship rather than achieving flawless compliance. He promises not to abandon them, emphasizing that their connection endures despite imperfections. This promise shapes how we relate to each other in love.
John 14:1-14 (5th Sunday of Easter) – May 3, 2026
In Easter’s light, John 14 cannot be heard as if we don’t know the ending. The cross and resurrection redefine “the way,” “the truth,” and “the life” as self-giving love revealed in apparent failure. This text invites us not to learn something new, but to live what we already know in Christ.
John 10:1-10 (4th Sunday of Easter/Good Shepherd Sunday) – April 26, 2026
The Fourth Sunday of Easter, or "Good Shepherd Sunday," invites reflection on movement and the dynamics of being led by Christ. It emphasizes that Jesus, as the gate, facilitates passage from confinement to life, contrasting with those who steal life. The season calls for recognition of voices that guide us toward freedom, connection, and abundance.
Luke 24:13-35 (3rd Sunday of Easter) – April 19, 2026
Luke’s Emmaus story shows the risen Christ meeting disciples in confusion, not clarity. As they tell their story, Jesus reframes it—expanding their understanding of suffering, hope, and God’s work. This text invites preachers to help congregations re-narrate their lives and shared stories in light of resurrection, discovering Christ already present among them.
Matthew 28:1-10 (Easter Sunday) – April 5, 2026
The Easter narrative in Matthew emphasizes the quiet uncertainty of resurrection, contrasting with celebratory worship. Resurrection is depicted as a transformative event that propels the disciples into action. Rather than serving as a conclusion, it marks the beginning of the church's mission, urging believers to carry Jesus' message into the world.
Matthew 21:1-11 (Palm Sunday) – March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday begins with celebration, but Matthew’s story ends with a question: “Who is this?” As Jesus enters Jerusalem like a king—but not the kind people expect—the crowds reveal how easily we shape Jesus around our hopes. This reflection invites preachers to explore the tension between expectation, misunderstanding, and Christ’s true identity.
John 11:1-45 (5th Sunday in Lent) – March 22, 2026
As Lent nears its end, the story of Lazarus in John's Gospel highlights profound themes of grief and divine presence. Jesus, despite knowing the outcome, engages with the sorrow of Mary and Martha, illustrating God's empathetic nature. The narrative emphasizes the church's role in being present with those who mourn, reinforcing the promise of the Holy Spirit's abiding companionship.
Micah Krey 