Breathe in the Fragrance of Creation’s Renewal – Tom Mundahl reflects on faith and courage for the renewal of creation. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary  Readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, Year B (2018, 2021, 2024) Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22 The first sentence of the appointed Prayer of the Day for the Third Sunday in Lent, Series B, sets the tone for our reflections. “Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006, p. 28). Our texts not only show how faithful and courageousRead More →

Wilderness As a Place of Possibilities – Tom Mundahl reflects on finding hope in barrenness. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary  Readings for the First Sunday of Lent, Year B ( 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024) Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 Forty days and forty nights. Time in the ark with waters from the upper and lower firmaments, held back at creation, once more meeting at “boat level.” Forty days and forty nights in the wilderness tempted by Satan. Forty  days and forty nights of Lenten “returning to the LORD.” It should be no surprise to discover that these LentenRead More →

The Spirit is the Giver of Life! – Dennis Ormseth reflects on Pentecost. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary  Readings for Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23 Pentecost is the “Birthday of the Church.” The Day of Pentecost is commonly celebrated as “the birthday of the church.” Emphasis will be placed on the communal nature of the experience of the Holy Spirit. That so many people heard their native tongue being spoken, and yet understood a common message, will be “demonstrated” as individuals talented in diverse languages simulateRead More →

Expanding the Imagination with Vision: Robert Saler reflects on Isaiah 35. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary (originally written by Robert Saler in 2013) Readings for the Third Sunday in Advent, Year A (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022) Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 The Isaiah text for this week is another Advent reading that offers a unique eschatological perspective—one that might be labeled as a utopia were it not centered in the midst of the ongoing struggle for salvific wholeness experienced by God’s people Israel. The reading contains imagery that is deeply tied to the notion of renewed creation. Much likeRead More →