I always hold my breath on Sundays until I find out which texts are assigned by the ecumenical lectionary. Look, I realize that your high tuition pays my modest salary, so naturally I want to make a good impression on visiting parents. (And let me take this opportunity to thank all of you parents for your tuition payments. Without you, not only your Duke sons and daughters, but even this preacher, wouldn't be here!) At any rate, I want to look good for the visiting parents, to reassure you that your kids are in good hands, as far as their spiritual well-being is concerned. I believe in making a good impression on visitors.

And yet, I also believe in preaching the Bible, so I use those texts assigned by the ecumenical lectionary. And therein lies my Parents'-Weekend, Twenty-fourth-Sunday-a…