The Lively Lectionary New Testament is a blog by Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie that reflects on the gospel text from the Revised Common Lectionary each week. It offers a 1000-1200 word post that relates the text to contemporary life.

God Comes in Surprise - Reflections on Acts 16:16-34

Among many other characteristics of the God we worship, the chief one is divine actions when we least expect them, actions that often amaze and astound, appearing as they do in common forms.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Fully Open to the Spirit - Reflections on Acts 11:1-18

Today’s text thrusts us directly into the enormously consequential narrative of Peter’s confrontation with the Holy Spirit that forces him to rethink everything he has learned and practiced as a first-century Jew.

Monday, May 9, 2022

The Pony Under the Pile - Reflections on Mark 13:1-8

When we're going through hell, how can we keep on going?

The answer? By remembering two pieces of very good news concealed in the pile of pains, pangs, and persecutions of this text:

  1. The Holy Spirit supports us in every dreaded encounter and event.
  2. The one who keeps the faith and endures to the end will participate in Jesus' victory over death.
Monday, November 8, 2021

All In! - Reflections on Mark 12:38-44

I know lots of adults who make sure they buy enough candy (that they like) so they have some left when the trick or treaters have stopped ringing the doorbell Halloween night. We all have our own ways of keeping a little something back for ourselves. We can't all be like this noble widow giving away her last bit of cash with nothing left in her ATM. She's all in. 

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Living by Heart – Reflections on Mark 12: 28-34

God doesn't want much. God just wants your heart, the seat of your emotions, your inner character, and your decision-making. God just wants your caring, your character, your creativity, and your carry-through. Strengthened by God's giving God's heart to us, we can give ours to our neighbor.

Monday, October 25, 2021

Stupid Disciple Tricks: Reflections on Mark 10:35-45

Within our hearts are both humility and arrogance, respect for others and a desire to outshine them, a desire to serve and a craving to be served. The one you feed wins. How do we feed the humility and spirit of service Jesus holds up as the model for discipleship in this passage from 10:35-45? 

Monday, October 11, 2021

Hi, Perbole! Exaggeration, Anyone? Reflections on Mark 9:38-49

What Jesus does is take a traditional proverbial form used to offer clear-cut options and adds a dash of paradox and a big dollop of hyperbole. In everyday life when people exaggerate, they are stretching the truth. What is different about Jesus' use of hyperbole is that he is not exaggerating about the destructive potential consequences of our actions. Not really.

Monday, September 20, 2021

Tips for Self-Promotion: Reflections on Mark 9:30-37

In reading this text, it struck me that the disciples were self-promoters when they should have been promoting Jesus and his message.  I'm going to send them a memo, which I've entitled "Top Ten Ways You Are Failing at Promoting the Good News." In it, I make it very clear that they need to reverse their attitudes and actions if they want to spread the word about the gift (or in sales terms—the product) Jesus has to offer the world that needs it so badly.

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Finders Weepers, Losers Keepers - Reflections on Mark 8

The skies of Mark's gospel are full of spiritual skydivers. Jesus doesn't mean for you to go out and become a martyr. He does mean that there are times in our lives when we realize that in losing our agenda, our control, our wants, we find our true identity and purpose.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021