The intent of this site is to help Christians find their faithful motivations for relating to, respecting, learning with, and working with people of diverse traditions. It is faithful. Jesus did it. When I work to counter some form of bigotry on […]
Year CSeason after PentecostProper 18 (23) Philemon 1:1-21 Seeing the Text in Context Philemon is one of Paul’s most personal letters, addressed to a house-church leader whose household includes a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus has been with Paul in prison and has […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 16 (21) Matthew 16:13-20 Seeing the Text in Context A new Pharaoh enslaves Israel, fearing their numbers, but God raises up Moses, saved through the courage of women—his mother, sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter. The psalm celebrates God’s deliverance […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 15 (20) Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 Seeing the Text in Context Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, choosing forgiveness and reconciliation over revenge. Psalm 133 celebrates unity as a gift of God’s blessing. Paul affirms God’s mercy for […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 14 (19) Matthew 14:22-33 Seeing the Text in Context Joseph’s brothers, consumed by jealousy, sell him into slavery. Yet God’s purposes will later work through his suffering. The psalm praises God’s providence through Israel’s history. Paul proclaims that […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 12 (17) Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Seeing the Text in Context Jacob wrestles with a mysterious figure through the night, leaving him wounded yet blessed with a new name: Israel. The psalmist cries for justice and for God’s presence. […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 11 (16) Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Seeing the Text in Context Jacob dreams of a ladder with angels ascending and descending, a vision of God’s presence even in exile and flight. The psalmist sings of God’s inescapable knowledge—no place […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 28 (33)Matthew 25:14-30 Contextual Background: A master entrusts servants with talents before traveling. Two invest and are rewarded; one hides his in fear and is condemned. In Mediterranean culture, the only way to gain wealth honestly was from […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 27 (32)Matthew 25:1-13 Contextual Background: Jesus tells of bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Some bring extra oil; others do not. When the bridegroom arrives, the unprepared are shut out. Within the Jewish Tradition: Wedding imagery often symbolized God’s […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 26 (31) Matthew 23:1-12 Contextual Background: Jesus warns against religious leaders who burden others but do not practice what they teach. He calls his disciples to humility: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Within the Jewish […]
Year ASeason after PentecostProper 25 (30) Matthew 22:34-46 Contextual Background: A lawyer asks Jesus the greatest commandment. Jesus responds: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and prophets hang. Monotheism is […]