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 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 […]
Year ALentSecond Sunday in Lent Genesis 12:1-4a John 3:1-17 Contextual Background: God calls Abram to go to a new land, promising blessing for all mishpachot (clans, tribes, nations). In the gospel, Nicodemus comes at night, seeking to understand Jesus’ teaching on new […]
Year ALentFirst Sunday in Lent Matthew 4:1-11 Contextual Background: After baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested. The devil tempts him with bread, spectacle, and power. Jesus resists by trusting God’s word. Within the Jewish Tradition: […]
Year ALentAsh WednesdayMatthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Contextual Background: Jesus warns against practicing piety for show — giving, praying, fasting to win human approval. Instead, he points to hidden practices that draw us deeper into God’s life. He concludes with: “Where your treasure is, […]
Year AEpiphanyTransfiguration SundayMatthew 17:1-9 Contextual Background: On the mountain, Jesus shines; Moses and Elijah appear; the Voice: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.” The vision prepares disciples for the way of the cross. Jesus is a public leader, leading […]