Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (5 November)

Chapter 23 of Matthew’s Gospel is an extended condemnation of the Pharisees’ and scribes’ religious leadership. After repeated confrontations with them, Jesus has finally had enough. Passages such as this require careful interpretation to ensure we don’t accidentally give false grounds for anti-Semitism. Matthew, including in this passage, shows great respect for the authority of…

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (15 October)

Our Gospel passage for today comes from Matthew, Chapter 22 Set in the context of Matthew’s continuing critical conversation with the chief priests and Pharisees, the parable of the Wedding Banquet is a summary account of a central theological teaching found in all of Scripture. Our Gospel today illustrates the subtle interrelation of the grace…