I’m in a state of disbelief (or perhpas denial) that it’s already August! It feels as if summer has scarcely begun, but as Facebook reminds me, kids are headed back to school some places. Most of us are staring at the reality of fall and the program year just around the corner. It’s time to… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary~Unexpected guest edition
The RCL readings for the Fouth Sunday after Pentecost are here. After a long sojourn through the Gospel according to John, I for one am glad to be back in the narrative world of Luke. We picked up Luke’s gospel a couple of weeks ago just as he had finished his “sermon on the plain,”… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ Lotsa options edition
The readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter can be found here and the readings for the Feast of the Ascension (or Ascension Day) are here. And those mark only two of your options – in the U.S., it’s also Mother’s Day. Whether – and how – to observe this day in church is always up for… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ Meeting Jesus edition
Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter may be found here, and commentary from Working Preacher is here. Low Sunday (and doubting/faithful Thomas) have come and gone, and hopefully you’ve had a few days off, or at least caught up on your sleep as we settle into Eastertide. This week’s readings are rich with possibility,… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary~The Prodigal Returns Edition
Readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent can be found here. Commentary from Working Preacher can be found here. We are squarely midway through Lent. In some traditions, this coming Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent, is known as “refreshment Sunday,” a time to “lighten up” a bit as we trudge through Lent towards Holy… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ If it’s last Epiphany…
…it can only mean one thing: our gospel reading is the story of the Transfiguration. When I hear the word “transfiguration these days, Professor McGonagall appearing as a cat outside the Dursley home in the first Harry Potter book is the image that comes to mind. As fantastic as transfiguration is in the wizarding world,… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ Widow’s Mite edition
This week’s RCL readings, especially the Gospel, provide a challenge to preachers. Many of us are deep in the season of stewardship campaigns, and we are presented with a story that is often held up as a model of sacrificial giving: the widow who places two mites, “all that she had to live on,” into… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ All things are possible edition
Readings for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost can be found here. Being a lectionary preacher usually reassures me; I don’t have to choose the texts, with all that involves. But sometimes, the RCL confronts us with texts that hit so close to home that we really squirm, and now is one of those times. Just… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ Faith, works, dogs, and crumbs edition
The RCL readings for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) can be found here. My preaching this summer has followed the story of the Davidic monarchy, and this shift to wisdom literature makes an interesting juxtaposition. Our assigned reading from Proverbs provides both an interesting postscript on the ups and downs of Saul, David,… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary ~ If it’s the week after Easter, it must be Thomas edition
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,… Read More
