Alternate First Reading

Visit of Three Angels
Commentary on Amos 8:1-12

The week’s reading from Amos contains two different units: a prose vision report in Amos [...]

Visit of Three Angels
Commentary on Amos 8:1-12

“Amos was Israel’s first theologian,” says scholar John Barton. “As far as we know, no [...]

Blind Man's Meal
Commentary on 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

The Old Testament readings for this week and next week [...]

Blind Man's Meal
Commentary on Hosea 1:2-10

As the reader of the book of Hosea moves from interpreting to preaching, unresolved and [...]

Blind Man's Meal
Commentary on 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

I was at a piano recital of my nephew and [...]

Blind Man's Meal
Commentary on Hosea 1:2-10

Preaching and teaching from the prophets is already difficult. The task becomes all the more [...]

The Lamp
Commentary on Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

With its stunning poetry, inspiring call for justice, and complex [...]

The Lamp
Commentary on Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Everyone loves a courtroom drama, but what happens when God [...]

In the Vineyard
Commentary on Isaiah 5:1-7

For the second Sunday in a row, the lectionary features a poetic text from Isaiah [...]

In the Vineyard
Commentary on Isaiah 5:1-7

In the classical show tune, “My Funny Valentine,” Billie Smith sings an ironic love song, [...]