May 7, 2023
First Reading: Acts 7:55-60 Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve tables so that the apostles could be free to serve the word (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen does more than distribute food, however. For his preaching of God’s word, he becomes the first martyr of the faith. 55Filled with the… Read More »
April 30, 2023
First Reading: Acts 2:42-47 Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough. 42[The baptized] devoted themselves to the… Read More »
April 23, 2023
First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Today’s reading is the conclusion of Peter’s sermon preached following the giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The center of his preaching is the bold declaration that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ. 14aPeter, standing with the eleven, raised… Read More »
April 16, 2023
First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 After the Holy Spirit comes to the apostles on Pentecost, Peter preaches the gospel to the gathered crowd. He tells them that Jesus, who obediently went to his death according to God’s plan, was raised from the dead by God. Finally, he appeals to scripture, quoting Psalm 16:8-11, to show… Read More »
April 9, 2023
First Reading (alternate): Jeremiah 31:1-6 God’s final word is always “Yes.” Because God’s love is everlasting, God always remains faithful. Ancient Israel is assured that it will be rebuilt and have plentiful crops. The people of God too will ultimately be reunited. 1At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the… Read More »
March 26, 2023
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is a promise that Israel as a nation, though dead in exile, will live again in their land through God’s life-giving spirit. Three times Israel is assured that through this vision they will know that “I am the Lord.” 1The hand of the Lord came upon… Read More »
March 19, 2023
First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Samuel anointed David even though he was the eighth-oldest son of Jesse and did not match his brothers in height or other physical characteristics. With the anointing came endowment with the Spirit of the Lord, designating David as the Lord’s chosen successor to Saul. 1The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve… Read More »
March 12, 2023
First Reading: Exodus 17:1-7 Because the thirsty Israelites quarreled with Moses and put God to the test, Moses cried out in desperation to God. God commanded Moses to strike the rock to provide water for the people. The doubt-filled question—“Is the Lord among us or not?”—received a very positive answer. 1From the wilderness of Sin the whole… Read More »
March 5, 2023
First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a God’s call of Abram and Sarai has a clear purpose—that through them all the families of the earth would gain a blessing. As they set out on their journey, they are accompanied by promises of land, nation, and a great reputation. 1The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred… Read More »
February 26, 2023
First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Human beings were formed with great care, to be in relationship with the creator, creation, and one another. The serpent’s promise to the first couple that their eyes would be opened led, ironically, to the discovery only that they were naked. 15The Lord God took the man and put him in the… Read More »