The Baptism of the Lord

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation for Feasts Click here for more information. Overview and Connections Although not titled a Feast, today is, in fact, a feast day. It both closes the Christmas season and opens the season of Ordinary Time. It is very much a liturgical hinge and transition. It’s also a time of transition READ MORE

The Nativity of the Lord – Mass During the Day

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Christmas More information can be found here. Isaiah 52:7-10 Book background This reading comes from the “Book of Consolation” – written to a people in exile. The message: stay strong; God will ultimately prevail! This passage envisions that day when God prevails and God’s presence returns to Jerusalem. You READ MORE

Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 7:10-14 Book background The story of Ahaz can be found in 2 Kings 16. Ahaz was actively preparing for a siege of Jerusalem by Damascus and Samaria. He chose to rely on the intervention of an Assyrian king to protect his READ MORE

Third Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Book background Chapter 35 is a reflection on deliverance from the enemy and what that will look like. It’s a beautiful picture full of unexpected images. Last week the Isaiah reading was about a tree blooming from a bare READ MORE

Second Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 11:1-10 Book background. The Jewish notion of what a Messiah would be developed over time. Invaders harassed the Jewish people almost from the founding of the nation. Over time it became increasingly clear that the Assyrians would overtake not only the READ MORE

First Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Overview Advent is the season of waiting. For what or whom are you waiting? How can you order your days this Advent season to stay awake, be prepared, and truly look for Christ’s coming? Isaiah 2:1-5 Background of the book. This passage READ MORE