Don’t steal the bread!
Lectionary Blog

Don’t steal the bread!

Lectionary for Aug. 2, 2026 10th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21 One of the proverbs we quote most in my house is: “An…
Treasures old and new
Lectionary Blog

Treasures old and new

Lectionary for July 26,2026 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 My wife and I lived in Morocco for several years. Around the…
Conversations worth having
Living Faithfully, Theology & Beliefs

Conversations worth having

Ben Eisele, a pastor and co-founder of the discussion group Brewed Theology (BT), was leading one of its monthly sessions at a local brewery. His group included several faithful attendees…
Good seeds, good harvest
Lectionary Blog

Good seeds, good harvest

Lectionary for July 19, 2026 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Did you ever have a story or joke so good that you…
Good government is daily bread
Theology & Beliefs

Good government is daily bread

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, Living Lutheran is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with articles reflecting on the church’s role in civic life and…
Loving all God’s creatures
Living Faithfully

Loving all God’s creatures

Focal verse “Who teaches us more than the animals of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?” (Job 35:11). Reflection: As our beloved shelter dog,…
Contexts matter
Lectionary Blog

Contexts matter

Lectionary for July 12, 2026 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 I find myself absolutely giddy for the summer in Year A and…
Lutherans and the bicentennial
Theology & Beliefs

Lutherans and the bicentennial

Editor’s note: Throughout the summer, Living Lutheran is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with articles reflecting on the church’s role in civic life…
Holy listening
Voices of Faith

Holy listening

The woman hadn’t spoken for 20 minutes. Her weathered hands clutched a well-worn tissue, and her eyes were fixed on the sterile white floor of the hospital waiting room. As…
Responding bodily to the good news
Lectionary Blog

Responding bodily to the good news

Lectionary for July 5, 2026 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 You may have heard the phrase, “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.”…
Learning antifragility from our children
Theology & Beliefs

Learning antifragility from our children

Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of…
Welcoming a prophet
Lectionary Blog

Welcoming a prophet

Lectionary for June 28, 2026 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42 Sometimes I fear for my wife in churches. My wife grew up…