Expend your life for Jesus and the gospel of new creation, and you will save it. – Tom Mundahl reflects on the gospel paradox. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B (2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024) Genesis 17:1-7, 15-15 Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 While this week’s readings vigorously underline God’s faithful keeping of covenant promises made to Abraham and Sarah, including the strong affirmation in our psalm that this promise is for all (Psalm 22:27), our Gospel lesson challenges us to focus both on what threatens and on what sustains care for creation. TheRead More →

Turning Around and Rethinking the “Royal Theology” of Our Time – Tom Mundahl reflects on the appeal of kingdom, power, and exceptionalism. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary  Readings for the Second Sunday of Lent, Year B (2018, 2021, 2024) Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 As we move from the Genesis pre-history to God’s forming a new community through Abram and Sarai, the centrality of creation and the vocation to care for the land and make it a home endure. Even though divine action “ruptures” safe worldviews in favor of living by promise, this week’s readings provide courage toRead More →

Advent Is about Gathering for the New Creation. – Dennis Ormseth reflects on wilderness. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary  Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year B (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Again this second Sunday of Advent, we gather with heightened expectation for the coming of God. “A voice cries out,” the first lesson proclaims: “‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:3). “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,” echoes the Gospel, “who will prepareRead More →

We Await the Transformation of the Cosmos. – Dennis Ormseth reflects on an orientation to God’s Creation in the season of Advent. Care for Creation Commentary on the Common Lectionary  Readings for the First Sunday of Advent, Year B (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 I Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 As heavenly powers fall, the scattered people of God will be gathered to witness the dawn of a new world. A new church year begins as the last ended, waiting and watching, in hope for the coming of God’s future kingdom. Appropriately for the beginning of a new year, the readings forRead More →