In the propers for this week, we consider a weaving together of many stories, all of which point us to our spiritual nature, and need for nourishment. Father Harris considers the meaning of Christ's mysterious teaching: "the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." What could this mean, and how might it pertain to everlasting life?

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a. King David is confronted by the prophet Nathan.

In 2 Samuel 7:1-14, King David noticed that the Ark of the Covenant was living in a tent while he was living in a beautifully adorned abode of a king. His instinct was to correct this discrepancy, but what happened next was very puzzling. What is God's plan for us? How will He restore this fallen creation and what part do we play in that process? Fr. Harris meditates upon these questions and more.

In Mark 6:14-29, the evangelist recalls the beheading of St John the Baptist, and the pitiable character of Herod as he is tangled in a web of his own foolish choices. Father Harris reflects on the meaning of this story for Christians, and how it reveals a greater sense of our life's purpose.

In 2 Samuel 1, David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan. Fr. Houk makes the point that the Bible is more than a source of famous phrases; it is an invitation into a larger world.

Fr. Butler preaches on our annual Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, the birthday of the church. In Luke 1:57-80 Zechariah is the model of what every Christian is called to be: a proclaimer of Good News.

In Mark 3:20-35, Jesus' family try to restrain him over a public outcry against his ministry. Jesus' famous words perplex modern ears: "whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness." Fr. Louis Harris reflects upon this mysterious passage along with the other readings from the lectionary in light of our nature as spiritual beings.

In Mark 2:23-3:6, Jesus breaks the Sabbath laws by picking grain and healing a man with a withered hand. Fr. Houk contemplates what Jesus's words mean for our Sabbath observances.

Acts 2:1-21. On Pentecost, Fr. Houk offers a very practical sermon, encouraging our prayers to the Holy Spirit and praying sooner rather than later.

John 15:1-8 describes the spiritual life as a connection to Christ the vine. Jesus teaches that believers will be pruned, for their good and for their fruitfulness.