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What’s the Revised Common Lectionary?
The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL or Lectionary)is a three-year cycle of weekly Scripture passages covering the major themes of the Bible. Christians from all over the world, across many different denominations, use the Lectionary in worship and for personal Spiritual growth. From May to August, WCC will focus on the RCL for our Sunday sermons as well as a springboard for spiritual growth in our daily lives. Following the RCL together will help us stay connected and be transformed together as a congregation.
- Read the four weekly Scriptures that we’ll use this coming Sunday
- Listen to Pray As You Go, a daily guided prayer experience that uses Scriptures from the Lectionary and beautiful music
- Meditate on Art inspired by Scripture passages from the Lectionary
- Read prayers based on this week’s Lectionary readings
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Sunday, May 11th
References from Steve’s May 11 sermon titled “There was a Disciple named Tabitha”.
Women in Scripture and Mission: Tabitha by Kaitlyn Schiess
Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach us About Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength by Kat Armas
Mother’s Day Prayer read in worship
Sunday, May 4th
Danielle referenced the movie “The Two Popes” during her sermon on May 4th. It offers an in-depth look at the warm relationship between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis and the transformation both of them experienced in their unique calling. You can watch it on various streaming services.
How can I go deeper with the Lectionary?
The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a widely used three-year cycle of Bible readings (lections) appointed for use in Christian worship. It aims to provide a common experience of Scripture across different denominations across the world.
Three-Year Cycle: The RCL follows a three-year cycle, designated as Year A, Year B, and Year C. Each year focuses primarily on one of the Synoptic Gospels:
• Year A: Gospel of Matthew
• Year B: Gospel of Mark
• Year C: Gospel of Luke
• The Gospel of John is included in all three years, especially during the Easter season and other significant times.
Weekly Readings: For each Sunday and major holiday, the RCL typically suggests four readings:
• A reading from the Old Testment.
• A Psalm.
• A reading from the New Testament Epistles or Acts.
• A reading from one of the Gospels.
Liturgical Calendar: The RCL is structured around the Christian liturgical year, including seasons like Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time. The readings are chosen to align with the themes of each season.
Thematic Connections: While each year emphasizes a particular Gospel, there are often thematic connections between the Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel readings for a given Sunday. However, this is not always the primary principle of selection.
Daily Readings: In addition to the Sunday and festival readings, the RCL also provides a set of daily readings that often relate to the upcoming or preceding Sunday readings, offering a way to engage with Scripture throughout the week.
What are some resources about the Lectionary?
Revised Common Lectionary Website (Vanderbilt University): This is a comprehensive resource providing the weekly readings for all three years of the lectionary cycle. It also offers daily readings, prayers, and links to art images related to the scripture passages. You can search by date, liturgical season, or keyword.
• https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/
The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT): This is the ecumenical group that developed the Revised Common Lectionary. Their website provides information about the history and principles of the RCL, as well as copyright information and links to other resources.
• https://www.commontexts.org/rcl/
Working Preacher (Luther Seminary): This website offers a wealth of resources for preachers and anyone interested in the lectionary readings. It includes commentaries, podcasts, and sermon ideas based on the RCL.
• https://www.workingpreacher.org/
Sermon Seeds (United Church of Christ): This resource offers reflections on the focus text for each Sunday in the RCL, along with prayers and discussion questions.
• https://www.ucc.org/what-we-believe/worship/sermon-seeds/
What are some podcasts about the lectionary?
Sermon Brainwave: A weekly conversation among Luther Seminary faculty discussing the upcoming Sunday’s RCL readings, offering insights for preaching and teaching.
• https://www.
Narrative Lectionary: Focuses specifically on the Narrative Lectionary readings (an alternative to the RCL that follows a more continuous reading of specific biblical books), providing engaging discussions.
• https://www.workingpreacher.org/podcast-type/narrative-lectionary
Pulpit Fiction Podcast: Hosted by two mainline pastors, this podcast engages with the Revised Common Lectionary readings with a blend of theological insight, pop culture references, and humor.
• https://www.pulpitfiction.com/
At Home with the Lectionary: Hosted by a priest and layperson, this podcast offers conversations and reflections on the Sunday RCL readings.
• https://athomewiththelectionary.com/
Pray As You Go: Updated daily and lasting between ten and thirteen minutes, it combines music, scripture, and questions for reflection.
• https://prayasyougo.org/