This week and next, the lectionary leads us into distinctive and well-loved feature of Hebrews: a lengthy paean in praise of “so great a cloud of witnesses” (11:1–12:1), in which each witness attests to a vibrant faith in God. The author begins this paean (a song of praise) with a tightly-worded definition of faith, using … Continue reading Strangers and foreigners on the earth (Hebrews 11; Pentecost 9C)