Lectionary Guides Archive
I create a visual guide to the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary every week on THIS PAGE. Below are the archives of the posts, listed newest to oldest.
The Heart of God | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries for November 12, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for November 12, 2023. The RCL jumps to the end of Joshua for the first reading. The second reading is Amos 5. The third reading marks the fourth week in 1 Thessalonians. The Gospel is Matthew 25:1-13. This is the parable of the ten bridesmaids that is part of the Eschatological Discourse. The NL jumps to the words of Hosea 11:1-9. The Gospel reading is Mark 10:13-14 where Jesus welcomes the children to him. All of these passages are tough to read because they bring the balance of the suffering that comes when we don’t live in the love of God with the grace and forgiveness of the heart of God.
When Leaders Lose Their Way | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on November 5, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for November 5, 2023. The RCL begins the story of Joshua with the crossing of the Jordan River. The second reading is Micah 3. The third reading marks the third week in 1 Thessalonians. The Gospel is Matthew 23:1-12 where Jesus speaks boldly to the crowd against the hypocrisy and failure of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The NL explores the story of Elijah and his confrontation with the corrupt leaders of Israel and the prophets of Baal. The Gospel reading is Mark 9:2-4, the Transfiguration. I titled this post “When Leaders Lose Their Way” because both lectionaries have strong prophets speaking truth to corrupt power.
A Divided Kingdom | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on October 29, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for October 29, 2023. The RCL jumps to the end of Deuteronomy and the death of Moses. The second reading is Leviticus 19 where Jesus gets his “and the second is like it.” The third reading marks the second week in 1 Thessalonians. The Gospel is Matthew 22:34-46 where Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment. The NL explores the story Rehoboam and Jeroboam in 1 Kings. The Gospel reading in Mark 10:42-45, the Transfiguration. I titled this post “A Divided Kingdom” primarily because of the NL reading. However, Jesus’ naming of the greatest commandments, centered on Love, is what divides loyalties.
God and Kings | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on October 22, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for October 22, 2023. The RCL continues with Exodus where Moses encounters the presence of God. It also takes us to Isaiah 45 and 1 Thessalonians. The Gospel is Matthew 22:15-22 where Jesus is asked about paying taxes to Caesar. The NL explores the story when David unified the tribes into one kingdom in 2 Samuel. The Gospel reading in Mark 11:8-10, the Triumphal Entry. I see a unifying theme in these texts that explores God’s expectations for a king or a political authority.
A New Kind of King and Family | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on October 15, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for October 15, 2023. The RCL continues with Exodus and takes us to the story of the Godlen Calf. It also concludes the series on Philippians and looks at the Parable of the King’s Banquet in Matthew 22:1-14. The NL explores the story of Ruth this week with the Gospel reading in Mark 3:33-35.
The Greatest Commandment | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on October 8, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for October 8, 2023. A unique convergence happens with the lectionaries this week around “The Greatest Commandment.” The RCL connects with the giving of the Law in Exodus 20 as it works through the Exodus story. The NL focuses on the second giving of the Law with The Shema in Dueteronmy 6. The RCL also looks at the Vine in Isaiah 5 and continues a mini series with Philippians 3:5-14, as Paul presses toward the goal. The RCL Gospel is Matthew 21:33-46, the second of three parables that challenge the leader’s authority. The NL attaches Jesus’ claim of the Greatest Commandment in Mark 12:28-31 for the Gospel reading.
Word, Fire, and Water | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on October 1, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for October 1, 2023. The RCL recounts the story of how God provided water from the rock for the grumbling Israelites in Exodus 17:1-7. It also continues a mini series with Philippians 2:1-13, the mind of Christ. The Gospel is Matthew 21:23-32 where Jesus tells the parable of the two sons. The NL tells the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-15.
Even When We Grumble | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on September 24, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for September 24, 2023. The RCL recounts the story of how God provided manna for the grumbling Israelites in Exodus 16:2-15. It also begins a mini series in Philippians this week. The Gospel is Matthew 20:1-16 where Jesus tells the parable of the generous manager and the field workers. The NL tells the story of Jacob’s fear of seeing Esau again in Genesis 32:9-30.
Forgiveness and Laughter | Visual Resources for Both Lectionaries on September 17, 2023
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for September 17, 2023. The RCL recounts the story of crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 14:19-31 and the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 50. The Gospel is Matthew 18:21-35 where Jesus emphasizes the power of forgiveness with the parable of the unforgiving servant. The NL tells the story of Abraham and Sarah hosting the visitors under the Oaks of Mamre in Genesis 18:1-15.
