The psalm for this week has an interesting lectionary history, and the gap verses contain an important fulcrum for its meaning. 

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

These two readings couldn't be more tonally different, but we still found it helpful to remember the poetic elements of the psalms and the original context of the New Testament epistles.

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

'Tis the season... for apocalyptic readings. 

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

The texts for Reformation Sunday don't have any gaps... but the texts for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost do! If you need a break from the same readings year after year of Reformations, consider giving the other passages a try. We found solid connections and possibilities for Reformation Sunday sermons in both of these gaps.

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

All the texts for this week confront us with how we relate to those whom we consider "outsiders" or even "enemies." Perseverance, undeserved mercy, and stubborn hope show up as themes.

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

This is the only time Habakkuk shows up in the lectionary, so let's talk about this minor prophet!

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

Timestamps:

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

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?

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

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!

London Calling by Ryan Andersen

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.

London Calling by Ryan Andersen