Encountering the text: Here, as we stand on the threshold of Christmas, the gospel gives us an intimate conversation between two women. Listening in on this conversation, Luke… read more

Encountering the text: As we noted last Sunday, all of the Gospels imply that there’s no way to get to Jesus without first hearing John preach. John’s “good… read more

Encountering the text: “John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and… read more

Encountering the text: The first thing that we should note is that all of the lessons for this First Sunday of Advent are about God. The Advent season begins with the announcement … read more

Encountering the text: Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Here, at the end of the church’s year, the… read more

Encountering the text: The church year is gradually ending. We’ll enter Advent, the church’s New Year, in just a few weeks. But before we can welcome the new… read more