Isaiah 55:1-5

The road from Babylon back to Jerusalem can be excruciating. And after its crucible, it doesn’t always feel tidy, or good, or joyful at first. Sometimes we return to rubble, and wonder if it was worth it.

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

In Jesus’ parable, the kingdom isn't being brought about by “real” work, like farming, or craftsmanship, or buying and selling. The kingdom of heaven is brought about by domestic work. The work of a housewife. “Woman’s work,” which becomes the locus of divine activity.

Matthew 9:35-10:8

What happens on Sunday morning isn’t the culmination of the Church’s calling. Instead, its heart beats through service, and action, and transformation — its heartbeat is the work of healing, restoring, resurrecting.