Above all, they sound a clarion call for justice. Our gospel lessons are drawn from Luke, who had his own preoccupation with the sufferings of the poor. His summons to compassion and simplicity is complemented with the beautiful images of restoration and joy found in the Psalms. The texts are rounded out with the cosmic, poetic invitations to faith and freedom that dance through the Epistles.
Summer is a bold season.
Though we may long mostly to retreat to the shade with a tall glass of lemonade and a good book, it's a time to plunge into deep waters and attack life with gusto. But if you must lose yourself in a book, try the Bible. These texts are as likely to refresh as to challenge. In today's Old Testament passage, the prophet Elijah dramatically rolls up his mantle and strikes water. The water parts, and he and Elisha cross on dry ground in their own miniversion of the Exodus.