Jeremiah 17:5–10; Luke 16:19–31 The rich man in the Gospel did not have a name. Names designate relationship, the beginning of intimacy. When I know your name, we can begin to have a relationship. We can grow in intimacy. I think Jesus kept the rich nameless to emphasi...

Isaiah 1:10, 16–20; Matthew 23:1–12 Whether it’s verbal praise, a fancy job title, or the number of likes on an Instagram post, external validation just feels so good. For years, I chased it relentlessly. I worked hard to look impressive to others, but that happiness a...

Genesis 12:1–4a; 2 Timothy 1:8b–10; Matthew 17:1–9 When the disciples witnessed Jesus radiant with divine light, of course they wanted to stay and relish in that high. But then just as quickly was the realization of the voice from heaven telling them not to cling to th...

Ezekiel 18:21–28; Matthew 5:20–26 Although we have many differences, disagreements and hurtful times with others, Jesus our Lord teaches us to forgive as he forgives. He challenges us to examine the deeper condition of our hearts. Life isn’t about following rules - it’...

Jonah 3:1–10; Luke 11:29–32 "A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Today's psalm takes on a special meaning in family life. The crumbled face of our son when he realizes he shouldn't have downloaded that Minecraft mod without permission. The softeni...

Leviticus 19:1–2, 11–18; Matthew 25:31–46 The passage from Leviticus calls me to live with integrity, compassion, and fairness in every part of my life. God’s command to “be holy” reminds me that holiness isn’t distant or unreachable, it’s expressed through everyday ch...

Isaiah 58:9b–14; Luke 5:27–32 It's striking that God talks about light, not about success, but about compassion. Hope in this reading doesn’t appear by chance. It rises when we stop looking only at ourselves and notice the people around us. Often, we become consumed by...

Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Luke 9:22–25 Jesus tells His disciples that He must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised. Then He says, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” At first, those words can sound h...