Encountering the text: Here’s the way it is with God’s kingdom, reign, rule, realm, or empire (basileia). Listen up. We know that this realm coming to us is… read more

Encountering the text: Homecoming for Jesus. What a great opportunity for him to be welcomed back by friends and relatives. What is it that was said by the poet Frost? "Home is… read more

Encountering the text: This Sunday’s Gospel comes from a section of Mark’s Gospel where Mark seems to have gathered a group of stories that, read together, establish… read more

Encountering the text: This Sunday’s gospel is so appropriate for Trinity Sunday. This well-known passage from John is one of those rare moments in the Gospels in which… read more

Encountering the text: Last Sunday we were in Jesus’s so-called "Farewell Discourse" (John 14-17), in which Jesus tenderly talks with his Father in prayer, praying for his… read more

Encountering the text: As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. From the very beginning, Jesus sends his disciples. Who is a disciple? One who is sent… read more