Human violence and ecological suffering are linked in this gap from the prophet Jeremiah. We use it to talk about some basic reflection questions that are helpful for any kind of biblical exegesis: What does it tell us about the character of God? The character of humanity? What does it feel like from the perspective of a variety of points of view? [Jeremiah 4:13-21]
Timestamps:
00:01 - title sequence
01:21 - What's on your mind?
09:20 - reading the text
12:48 - commentary
31:17 - outro sequence
Folks looking for commentary on today's gap can also check out Episode 34, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany in Year B (2024). BUT, we found several different directions for liturgy and preaching this time around, so we hope you'll join our conversation! [Psalm 139:7-12]
Timestamps:
00:01 - title sequence
01:21 - What's on your mind?
07:33 - reading the text
10:12 - commentary
23:34 - outro sequence
As Lutheran preachers, the cross is central to our preaching and teaching. We think some of the gaps this week actually help us do that. We hope everyone has a safe Labor Day weekend--let us give thanks for the blood shed by our ancestors in the workers' rights movement.
Timestamps:
00:01 - title sequence
01:21 - What's on your mind?
08:12 - reading the Psalm
10:31 - commentary on the Psalm
15:57 - reading from Hebrews
18:44 - commentary on Hebrews
30:21 - reading the Gospel
32:53 - commentary on the Gospel
50:17 - outro sequence
The gospel lesson for this Sunday is a doozy, and this gap in the semi-continuous psalm also has difficult themes. These passages ask us to confront the depth of our sin and brokenness--how do we find God's mercy and hope within them, too? [Psalm 80:3-7]
Timestamps:
00:01 - title sequence
01:21 - What's on your mind?
09:50 - reading the scripture
12:32 - commentary
36:10 - outro sequence
Timestamps:
This is the only Sunday in the lectionary cycle with a reading from Ecclesiastes, folks, so let's get mystical! We're thrilled to have guest Sally Messner discussing these gaps with us. [Ecclesiastes 1:3-11, 15-2:17]
Timestamps:
00:01 - title sequence
01:21 - What's on your mind?
12:41 - reading the scripture
19:35 - commentary
48:07 - outro sequence