Year AEasterFourth Sunday of Easter John 10:1-10 Contextual Background: Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who knows the sheep by name, leads them out, and lays down his life. He contrasts his leadership with thieves who come to steal and destroy. The […]
Year AEasterThird Sunday of EasterLuke 24:13-35 Contextual Background: Two disciples walk in grief. The risen Jesus joins them, interprets scripture, and is revealed in the breaking of bread. Their hearts burn, and they return to share the news. Within the Jewish Tradition: […]
Year AEasterSecond Sunday of EasterJohn 20:19-31 Contextual Background: The risen Jesus appears to the disciples, saying “Peace be with you,” showing his wounds, and sending them as he was sent. Thomas later demands to see the wounds before believing; Jesus blesses those […]
Year AEasterResurrection of the Lord Matthew 28:1-10 Contextual Background: At dawn, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” find the tomb empty. An angel announces resurrection: “He is not here; he has been raised.” They are told to go and tell the disciples. […]
Year AHoly WeekHoly Saturday Matthew 27:57-66 Contextual Background: The Vigil begins in darkness and tells the story of salvation: creation, covenant, exodus, prophets. The climax is resurrection: “He is not here; he has been raised.” Paul declares that in baptism we die […]
Year AHoly WeekMaundy ThursdayJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35 Contextual Background: On the night of betrayal, Jesus takes off his robe, ties a towel, and washes his disciples’ feet — an act reserved for servants. It may be that even servants would not be expected […]
Year ALentLiturgy of the Passion Matthew 27:11-54 Contextual Background: Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey to cries of “Hosanna.” By week’s end, he is betrayed, denied, tried, and crucified. The crowd shifts from praise to condemnation; Rome and religious authorities join to […]
Year ALentFifth Sunday in Lent John 11:1-45 Contextual Background: Jesus raises Lazarus from the tomb. Grief, delay, anger, and hope swirl as Jesus weeps and then calls his friend out into life. Within the Jewish Tradition: Resurrection hope grew in Israel as […]
Year ALentFourth Sunday in Lent John 9:1-41 Contextual Background: Jesus heals a man born blind. The healing sparks conflict: religious leaders resist, the man testifies boldly, and Jesus reveals true sight as faith. Within the Jewish Tradition: Blindness and sight often symbolized […]
Year ALentThird Sunday in Lent John 4:5-42 Contextual Background: Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. He breaks social taboos, offers living water, and reveals himself as Messiah. She becomes a witness, and many believe in the Kindom of God through […]