This day and this text are so thoroughly steeped in reference, allusion, and significance that there is no way to cover it all coherently in a single sermon (or in a short commentary like this one). Peter himself quotes directly from Joel 2, Psalm 16, and Psalm 110 in this passage, although the Psalms are quoted after the lectionary reading ends. The somewhat terrifying Joel 2 passage is worthy of its own sermon, a dark depiction of the promised “day of the Lord”, which Peter seems to...

I remember the day I embraced the mystery of God. I could not fix my son’s illness and I kept praying specific prayers to create God...

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. We have all be there, haven’t...