Isaiah 52:13-53:12 This excerpt from Isaiah parallels Psalm 22 which also asks profound questions: is there some larger meaning to suffering, what is God’s role?  Walter Bureggemann sees this passage as one of only three in the Hebrew scriptures that … Continue reading →

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10) The story of God’s providing an escape out of  slavery in Egypt recalls the original call  [of Abraham and Sarah] to leave home and all that is familiar and ‘safe’ and to begin a journey purely on … Continue reading →

THE LITURGY OF THE PALMS Matthew 21: 1-11 Jesus arrives in Jerusalem for the climax of his public ministry.  As Matthew reports the event, ancient expectations are fulfilled in very specific details.  Only Matthew’s narrative says that these details fulfill … Continue reading →

Ezekiel 37: 1-14 A poet prone to visions, Ezekiel finds himself in a valley littered with the bones of fallen fighters for Israel.  He lives in a time when the humiliated, defeated King and most of the people of Israel … Continue reading →

I Samuel 16: 1-13 Certain themes are under continuous re-telling and re-interpretation in the Hebrew scriptures.  In what is now called I Samuel, the editor re-tells the founding actions of God, compiling varying accounts with innovative variations.  In this episode, … Continue reading →

Exodus 17: 1-7 The memory of God’s miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt has evaporated in the heat and desolation of the desert.  At “Rephidim” God’s people demand water.  Moses takes their demand as an affront to his leadership and … Continue reading →

Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7 One task religions undertake is to explain human evil.  Borrowing from neighboring cultures and religions, this writer (“J”) tells a story of a time of original innocence between God and humankind.  But then divine prohibition, … Continue reading →

Lent is a journey of 40 weekdays and six Sundays that reaches its final destination at the last 72 hours of the Great Triduum, sundown Maundy Thursday until sundown Easter Day.  On that pilgrimage, we are invited to confront the … Continue reading →

Genesis 12: 1-4a Crisp, direct phrases tell a story with far-reaching meanings: one man’s and one woman’s personal response have consequences for all of human history.  The Lord said to Abram and Sara “Go!”  And on a promise of future … Continue reading →

II Kings 5: 1-14 Powerful men, large egos, a humiliating stigma, a self-effacing representative of God, and, finally a deeply moving conclusion to the story of Namaan.  As a successful and respected military leader and favorite of his king, Naaman … Continue reading →