Year ASeason after PentecostProper 10 (15) Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Contextual Background: Jesus tells the parable of the sower: seed falls on various soils, with mixed results. The good soil bears abundant fruit. Mediterranean people understood that what happens in the ground is […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 9 (14)Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Contextual Background: Jesus laments that people reject both John and himself — John as too strict, Jesus as too lax. Then he thanks God for revealing wisdom to infants – in other words, the […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 8 (13)Matthew 10:40-42 Contextual Background: Jesus declares that whoever welcomes his disciples welcomes him — and that even a cup of cold water given in his name will not be forgotten. Within the Jewish Tradition: Hospitality was a […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 7 (12)Matthew 10:24-39 Contextual Background: Jesus tells the disciples not to fear those who kill the body. He acknowledges division, even within families, but calls them to take up the cross and follow him. Within the Jewish Tradition: […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 6 (11) Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23) Contextual Background: Jesus goes through towns as he announces the Kindom of God by teaching, proclaiming, and healing. He sees the crowds as “sheep without a shepherd” and sends the disciples to labor […]
Season after PentecostTrinity SundayMatthew 28:16-20 Contextual Background: After the resurrection, the disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. Some worship, some doubt. Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples […]
Year AEasterDay of Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 Contextual Background: At Pentecost, the Spirit descends like wind and fire, and people from every nation hear the disciples speaking in their own languages. Peter interprets this as the fulfillment of Joel: God pouring out Spirit […]
Year AEasterSeventh Sunday of EasterJohn 17:1-11 Contextual Background: On the eve of his passion, Jesus prays for his disciples: that they may be one, protected in God’s name, and share in his joy and glory. Within the Jewish Tradition: High priestly prayers […]
Year AEasterSixth Sunday of Easter John 14:15-21 Contextual Background: Jesus promises the Advocate (Spirit of truth) to be with the disciples. “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Love and obedience are linked. Within the Jewish Tradition: Love of God and neighbor […]
Year AEasterFifth Sunday of Easter John 14:1-14 Contextual Background: In the farewell discourse, Jesus comforts his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He assures them of a place in God’s house and declares, “I am the way, the truth, and […]