Author: Administrador

Most of the people sitting in the pews would have no trouble naming Genesis as the first book of the Bible. . Most would also be able to quote the first words in that book, “In the beginning … ” But even the most diligent church-goers might have some difficulty naming the last book of … Continue reading “Malachi 4:1-2a Commentary by James Limburg”

The opening affirmation of the book of Malachi should be read across the book. Every threat, every announcement of judgment is framed by the words “I have loved you.” In the closing verses, Elijah, the prophet, is sent, an action which embodies the love of God for the addressees. The return of Elijah “will turn … Continue reading “Malachi 3:1-7; 4:1-2, 5 Commentary by Richard W. Nysse”

Familiar to many from its use in Handel’s Messiah, this passage from Malachi speaks of purification and judgment, themes not associated in the popular imagination with Christmas. Nevertheless, Advent is, of course, preparation not only for a remembrance of Christ’s first coming as a baby, but also for Christ’s second coming, in power and glory. … Continue reading “Malachi 3:1-4 Commentary by Kathryn M. Schifferdecker”

Both the readings from the Gospel of Luke and from Malachi today announce the need for white-hot and searing deliverance. Two prophets declare the bankruptcy of God’s people. John proclaims the need for “a baptism of repentance” that will bring forgiveness. Malachi announces a messenger who brings purification. In previous verses, Malachi lays out the … Continue reading “Malachi 3:1-4 Commentary by Melinda Quivik”

Who can endure the day of his coming? The prophet Malachi raises a disturbing question for all who proclaim God’s arrival with joyful expectation. Are you ready? Do you know what it means? Who can endure it? In the prophetic tradition, the day of the Lord anticipates God’s victorious kingship and a period of righteous … Continue reading “Malachi 3:1-4 Commentary by Anne Stewart”

For me at least, this is one of those biblical texts that cannot be read without hearing music. In the midst of puzzling over the visions and sayings of Zechariah, it comes as a refreshing surprise to find the words of our lectionary text for today. With Zechariah 9:9, I hear a soprano somewhere singing … Continue reading “Zechariah 9:9-12 Commentary by James Limburg”

This text is familiar to us from its use in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; however, it presents a number of puzzles for the preacher to solve. First, one might wonder why we are being taken back to Palm Sunday after Pentecost, during ordinary time, when the lectionary focuses on the life … Continue reading “Zechariah 9:9-12 Commentary by Margaret Odell”

The co-temporal prophets Haggai and Zechariah mark a shift in how the exiled community of Judah sees itself. For the first time, they measure time through a foreign monarch, Darius of Persia, because there are no ruling Davidides in Judah (which has now become the Persian province of Yehud). The last phrase of 1:15, “in … Continue reading “Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Commentary by Wil Gafney”

The small book of Haggai stands on par with other prophetic books in many respects.  While we know little about the person named Haggai, the book boasts the successful completion of work on the temple in the restoration period. After effectively encouraging the dispirited, apathetic, and indifferent community to begin work on the dilapidated temple … Continue reading “Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Commentary by Steed Davidson”

Haggai is dangerous. The hazard stems from the fact that Haggai’s message is all too easily twisted into a message ripe for preachers of the so-called “prosperity gospel” and for those who have too long listened to them. A premise of that pseudo-gospel is that God wills financial and physical blessings for true believers. The … Continue reading “Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Commentary by Walter C. Bouzard”