Epiphany 4A / Ordinary 4A Textweek RCL

Epiphany 4A
January 29, 2017
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Click on Scripture Lessons below for

Micah 6:1-8
Roman Catholic reading: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13

Psalm 15
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible
- Episcopal Lectionary: Traditional BCP - RCL.
- The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
- Lutheran lectionary calendar, Year A, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings.
- Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
- Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
- ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
- Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Sermon on the Mount
- Because all of the Gospel texts for quite a while preachers should know about Visual Bible’s The Gospel According to Matthew, the docudrama of the entire NIV text. A good bio film of one of the following Christians will offer examples of a person who exemplifies the Beatitudes: Brother Son, Sister Moon, Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story.
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Nonviolence
  - Peace (Rest)
  - Doers of the Word
  - Righteousness
  - Justice/Injustice
  - Mercy/Grace
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2017. 2014. 2011.
- Preaching Helps (Epiphany 4). Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
- "Honoring the Dishonored," Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2017.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2017.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- "Honoring the Dishonored," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2014.
- Evangelectionary, February 2, 2014, Heather Lear, Evangelism Connections.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2014.
- Ministry Matters, February 2, 2014.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany 4, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Epiphany 4, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2017.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2014.
- Lectionary at Lunch: homiletical helps from Concordia Journal and audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2014.
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:

Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2017.
"Recognizing Blessing," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2017.
"Righteous Living," Karoline Lewis, Working Preacher, 2017.
A Provocation of the Gospel, Richard Swanson, 2017.
"Marching Women and the Long Journey," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2017.
Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2017.
Humility, Foolishness, and Blessing, RevGalBlogPals discussion and commentary, 2017.
"Those Who Bring Hope," Michael Simone, America: The National Catholic Review, 2017.
"Wisdom and Fooishness and Blessings and Woes," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
"To Be Honourable Is To Be Human," Andrew Prior, 2017.
We Are Called, Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2017.
"Who Is Blessed?" Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2017.
"Blessed Are Who?" Emily Kahm, Modern Metanoia, 2017.
"Two Kinds of Blessedness," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2017.
"The Beatitudes: A Road Map for the Reign of God," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing the Word, 2017.
"Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2017. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
Homily Week, 2017.
The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2017.
Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2017
"What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2017.
Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2017.
Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2017
Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2017.
Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2017.
Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2017.
HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2017.
Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2017.
One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2017
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2017.
The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2017.
Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2017.
Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2017
Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2017.
Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2017.
The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2017.
SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2017.
COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2017.
Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2017.
Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, How Shall We Live? Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2014.
"On Beatitudes and Blessings," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2014. 2011.
"Enjoy the Super Bowl; Be Suspicious of Its Values," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2014. Video: 5 Things You Don't Know about...The Big Game.
"In the Courtroom with God," John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2014.
"Have a Blessed Day!" Alyce M McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2014.
"Live Different: The Beatitudes of Jesus," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2014. 2011.
"Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2014.
Sacredise Worship Resources, 2014.
Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2014.
"Being Blessed," Thomas Beam, 2014.
"Glimpsing the Kingdom," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2014.
"Tracking the Radical Jesus," Peter Woods, The Listening Hermit, 2014.
"Consider Your Own Call," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014.
"Signs of Blesiing," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2014.
Liberal Lectionary Resources, Dr. Mary Lautensleger, 2014.
"Christianity for Dummies," David Sellery, 2014.
Care for Creation Commentary, Tom Mundahl, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2014.
"Doing Justice," Craig D. Katzenmiller, Upper Room Books, 2014.
"The Shock of Blessedness," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2014.
Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2017. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
"Leaning Your Ladder Against the Right Building," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2014
The Painted Prayerbook, "Litany of the Blessed," Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
Lectionary Blogging, Epiphany 4, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
"God's Love Language," Sharon R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life, 2011.
"Get the Picture?" John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2011.
Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 4. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2005.
"Blessing as Freedom," Pilgrim Preaching, Keeping company with biblical texts and the people who hear and preach them, a weblog for preaching, by Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary.
"The World Turned Upside Down," James A. Kelsey, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2005.
Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.

Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- "The Power to Bless" by Jim Somerville. A Sermon for Every Sunday: video sermons from America's best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
- "Inner Peace," Sil Galvan, 2017.
- "The Beatitudes," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
- Ministry Matters, February 2, 2014.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2014.
- "Blessed Are Those Who Mourn," the Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, Day 1, 2011.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "It's All Foolishness," Faith Element, 2014.
- "Enjoy the Super Bowl; Be Suspicious of Its Values," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2014. Video: 5 Things You Don't Know about...The Big Game.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2014.
- "The Finkenwalde Project," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Monasticism Old and New," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2010. (Matthew 5:1-12)
- "Beatitudes in the Desert," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sermon on the Mount," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
- "Who Are the Meek?" study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Consumerism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
- "Extreme Virtues," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Prophetic Ethics," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
- "Prophetic Mysticism," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Mysticism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005.
- Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

The Text This Week's Epiphany Resources Page.
Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany 4): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2017.
- Taking Worship Home, Breen Sipes, Tri-Saints Lutheran Parish, 2017.
- Worship Resources, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2014.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany 4A, 2017."Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
- Evangelectionary, February 2, 2014, Heather Lear, Evangelism Connections.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2014.
- Ministry Matters.
- "Consider Your Own Call," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2014.
- The Sermon on the Mount, A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.
- Mustard Seeds, "Paradox," Epiphany 4, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, Epiphany 4A, 2011, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 4A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 4A, 2011. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada
Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Epiphany 4, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
- Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
- The Billabong, Epiphany 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Lector's Notes, Ordinary 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
- Creative Closing, Ordinary 4, George Hartwell, at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", (NZBP) reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany 4, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany 4, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 15, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2011.
- Prayer for Epiphany 4A, RevAbi, RevGalBlogPals, 2011.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2017.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2014.
- Service Prayers for Epiphany 4, 2014, .rtf file index at site. Worship Ways, UCC. (Español)
- Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2014.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 15, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2014.
- "The Shock of Blessedness," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
- Pray the Story, 2017.
- Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers, 2017.
- Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2017
- Engage Worship, 2017.
- Prayers of the People, and Blessing, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2017.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Sunday 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Ordinary 4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Matthew 5:1-12, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Mustard Seeds, "Paradox," Epiphany 4, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Ordinary 4 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
- Sermon on the Mount (Blessings), audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- "Flashlight," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2014.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- "Enjoy the Super Bowl; Be Suspicious of Its Values," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2014. Video: 5 Things You Don't Know about...The Big Game.
- "It's All Foolishness," Faith Element, 2014.
- Because all of the Gospel texts for quite a while preachers should know about Visual Bible’s The Gospel According to Matthew, the docudrama of the entire NIV text. A good bio film of one of the following Christians will offer examples of a person who exemplifies the Beatitudes: Brother Son, Sister Moon, Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story.
- "Walk Humbly," video reflection on Micah 6:8, David J.M. Coleman, 2014.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - “O God, You Call for Justice,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn inspired by Micah 6:8. Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D (“The Church's One Foundation”).
  - “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”) This hymn is part of "The Sermon on the Mount: A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs."
  - “Up On a Mountaintop” Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: Slane 10.10.10.10 (“Be Thou My Vision”) This hymn is part of "The Sermon on the Mount: A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs."
  - "God, With Joy We Look Around Us," original hymn for Race Relations Sunday by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune: REGENT SQUARE "Angels, from the Realms of Glory"
  - "Rejoice, Friends, and Be Delighted!" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 5:1-12. TUNE: "Wycliff." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 4A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Lord, Who May Dwell in Your Sanctuary?" lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 15 set to The Solid Rock (88 88 88) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  - CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
  - Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
  - Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany 4. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
  - Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Epiphany 4A, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
- With Children (see also listings "With Children" at individual scripture pages, linked above):
  - Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 4, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2014. 2011.
  - "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," February 2, 2014, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Micah 6:1-8 and Tawny Scrawny Lion by Kathryn Jackson,1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson, Matthew 5:1-12 and I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont.
  - Dollar Store Children Sermons, John Stevens, 2017.
  - "Weekly Devotions," Faith Formation Journeys, 2014.
  - "Directions," Fran Woodruff, On The Chancel Steps, 2014.
  - "Consider Your Own Call," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014.
  - Ministry Matters, February 2, 2014.
  - "Flashlight," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2014.
  - Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2014. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
  - Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2014.
  - "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.