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Tag: Lectionary

The Coming Near of God—Luke 21:25-36

The nearness of God inspires communities to work for justice, for the Son of Man as a co-pilgrim participates in the struggles of the creation.

Christ the King—Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

In a hateful political climate, it’s easy to feel defeat. However, Daniel 7 teaches us that God is present in the midst of oppression and intervenes as a liberator God. We must join in this liberation to defy feelings of defeat.

Shaking the Foundations—Mark 13:1-8

We have been led astray by those who invoke religion to undergird their own social, political, and economic power. When we find ourselves enthralled to their apparent grandeur, we, too, will find the world beginning to crumble around us.

A Widow’s Presence—Mark 12:38-44

In her very presence, the widow performs the political act of bringing to light oppression and injustice. Our task is to learn how to see her.

To Love and To Disagree—Mark 12:28-34

As Jesus and the scribes agree, and as today every major religion agrees, the right answer to the greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.

Speaking of God in Suffering—Job 42:1-6, 10-17

In the Book of Job, the question of how we speak of God in the midst of suffering is at the forefront, which is where its significance for liberation theology is particularly found.

God’s Wisdom Through the Whirlwind—Job 38:1-7, 34-41

Human rulers like Job might imitate the rule of God, but God’s power goes beyond what they are capable of enacting.

Justice Silenced—Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

In evil days, justice can be stifled and the voice of the prudent can be silenced.

Discovering Integrity in the Son of Man—Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Psalm 8; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

Integrity is what we demand from others, aspire to in ourselves, and often fall short of. We fall short, but will find wholeness in the Son of Man.

The Book of Esther as Resistance to Ethnic Nationalism—Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

The book of Esther deals with resisting ethnic violence in its ancient context and offers us tools for resisting white ethnic nationalism today.

Receiving the Kingdom as a Little Child—Mark 9:30-37

When we stop clinging to what we know and what we are, we can go out into the world without fear, insecurity, resentment, and judgment, as true Children of God. The image of a playing child helps us see alternatives to our childish attitudes.

The Politics of Victimhood and Shame—Mark 8:27-38 and Isaiah 50:4-9a

“Victimhood culture” has swept our nation in recent years where victimhood has become an identity to be ashamed of. However, Jesus teaches his followers to bear their victimhood without shame, just as he bore his own without shame.