Tag: jesus

  • Preaching Paths 14 September 2025 Proper 19C

    Sally A Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Context matters for rightly interpreting the first two of Jesus’ three parables of God’s persistent seeking of that which is lost (Luke 10:1-15). Jesus is responding to grumbling Pharisees and scribes who criticize his habit of dining with the tax collectors and “sinners” who follow and listen…

  • 28th,21st,14th,& 7th September 2025

    28th September 2025 Luke 16:19-31 Poor Lazarus and the rich man 16:19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 16:20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 16:21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell…

  • Preaching Paths 7 September 2025 Proper 18C

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary In today’s text, Lk 14:25-33, Jesus turns to address the throngs who trail after him on his journey to Jerusalem. His strong language is a test of their loyalty and ours. “No one who does not hate [every family member] is not able to be my disciple!”…

  • Preaching Paths 31 August 2025 Proper 17C

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Preaching well from this week’s gospel reading (Luke 14: 1, 7-14) requires preachers to stay alert to the specific social customs and circumstances that provoke Jesus’ teaching on this occasion. More than any other gospel, Luke presents Jesus’ ministry as filled with table scenes and table-related teachings.…

  • Preaching Paths, 24 August 2025, Proper 16C

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Jesus’ healing of a bent-over woman at the synagogue on a Sabbath day is the subject of today’s dramatic Gospel text, Luke 13:10-17. Bent nearly double “by a spirit” for eighteen years, this woman’s field of vision is little more than the ground at her feet. She…

  • 10th August 2025,9th Sunday after Pentecost

    St Luke 12:32-40 The treasure of the kingdom 12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 12:33 Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no…

  • Preaching Paths 10 August 2025 Proper 14C

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary In today’s Gospel reading, Luke 12:32-40, Jesus continues urging his followers to invest in the coming reign of God, free of material concerns. The text unfolds in three sections. Verses 32-34 warn against being preoccupied with a deluded quest for possessions, imagining that these can offer us…

  • Preaching Paths 3 August 2025

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary In today’s text (Luke 12:13-21), a man in the crowd calls out to Jesus, asking him to settle an inheritance dispute with his brother: “Tell him to divide the inheritance with me!” While it would not have been unusual for a respected rabbi to consider such a…

  • 27th July 2025, 7th Sunday after Pentecost

    St Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches prayer 11:1 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 11:2 so he said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, may your name be revered as holy. May…

  • Preaching Paths 27 July 2025 Luke 11:1-13, Proper 12C

    Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary Today’s Gospel text (Luke 11:1-13) includes Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer. It is quite brief; when Jesus’ disciples request that he teach them to pray, he offers just four concise petitions. Phrasing  found in Matthew’s version is missing here (“Our;” “who art in heaven,” “Thy will…