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: 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.
Images and Movies:
- In It's a Wonderful Life George Bailey is Christ's light to Bedford Falls. There is a film named Salt of the Earth in which a browbeaten wife of a Mexican American miner emerges as an agent of change during a strike. Ed McNulty, Visual Parables.
- Movies at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance with the following themes:
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.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2017.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
- "Letting the Light Through," Kathryn Matthews, Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2017.
- "The Heart of the Law and the Light of the World," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2014.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017. 2014.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 5, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2014.
- Ministry Matters.
- Evangelectionary, February 9, 2014, Heather Lear, Evangelism Connections.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 5, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany 5, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.Preaching Helps (Epiphany 5). Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
- Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Epiphany 5, 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. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2014.
- "Promises, Not Commands," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2017.
- "Just Be It," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2017.
- "Too Much Salt or Not Enough? What Jesus Says about Americans and Their Super Bowl," Barbara Lundblad, ON Scripture, 2017.
- "Light Topics," RevGalBlogPals, commentary and discussion, 2017.
- "Would Jesus Have Marched?" Ruth Everhart, Journey with Jesus, 2017.
- "Salt and Light in the Beleaeguered City," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2017
- "Speaking as a Pharisee," Andrew Prior, 2017.
- "Justice and Love," Sermon Stories, 2017.
- "A Provocation of the Gospel," Richard Swanson, 2017.
- "The Politics of Saltiness," Amy Allen, Political Theology Today, 2017.
- Living by the Word, Brian Maas, The Christian Century, 2017.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2017
- The Truett Pulpit, 2017.
- peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2017.
- "Be the Light," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2017.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2017.
- "Lectionary Ruminations," John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2017.
- "God's Choice," 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.
- "Point to the Truth," Chelsey Hillyer, Modern Metanoia, 2017.
- "A Better Righteousness," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2017.
- "You Are the Light of the World," Janet H Hunt, Dancing with 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.
- Sunday Scripture Podcast, Joe Cate and friends, 2017.
- Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2017
- "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2017.
- The Reflectionary, reflections and activities, Fay Rowland, 2017.
- Lectionary Poetry, Andrew King, 2017.
- Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 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, Salt and Light Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2014.
- "Salt and Light," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2014.
- "Reflections on the Sermon on the Mount," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2014.
- "Isaiah and Jesus: Critical Dissent as a Form of Faith," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2014.
- "Luminous Darkness," Debra Dean Murphy, Ekklesia Project, 2014.
- "The Bucket List," David Sellery, 2014.
- "Lose the Morons," Rick Morley, 2014.
- Draughting Theology, Steve Pankey, 2014.
- Question the Text, Russell Rathbun, etc., 2014.
- "Why Are We Settling for This?" Steve Godfrey, Church in the World, 2014.
- "Be Salt and Light," Anne Howard, The Beatitudes Society, 2014.
- "Let Your Light So Shine," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
- Care for Creation Commentary, Tom Mundahl, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2014.
- "What's Conceivable?" Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2014.
- Liberal Lectionary Resources, Drew Herring, Mary Lautensleger, 2014.
- "You Are the Light of the World," Robb McCoy, The Fat Pastor, 2014.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2014.
- "A Hole in the World," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2014
- "You Are the Salt of the Earth," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2014.
- "Fasting God's Way," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014. 2011.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2014.
- Divine Cooking, Thomas Beam, 2014.
- "Making Dreams a Reality: Celebrating Black History Month," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2011.
- Lectionary Blogging, Epiphany 5, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
- "Salt and Light," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.
- The Painted Prayerbook, "Blessing of Salt, Blessing of Light,," Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
- "You Old Salty Sea Dog," Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2011.
- Be the Light, Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2011.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology, 2011.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- 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.
Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)\
- "All Righteousness, All the Time," Scott Hoezee, Day 1, 2017.
- "Light Up the World," by Michael Renninger. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Lectionary-based video sermons from America's best preachers.
- "Go, Make a Difference," Sil Galvan, 2017.
- Ministry Matters.
- "Salt of the Earth," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
- "A Loving Law," the Very Rev. Anthony FM Clavier, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2014.
- 5 Epifanía (A) – 2014, POR EL RVDO. PABLO VELÁZQUEZ ABREU, Sermones que Iluminan.
- "Salty Luminescence," the Rev. Chris Thomas, Day 1, 2014.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2014.
- Christians Must Be A Light in the World, Martin Niemoller, Berlin, 1936.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Letting the Light Through," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2017.
- "A Hard Word to Hear this Winter," Barbara Lundblad, ON Scripture - The Bible, Odyssey Networks, 2014. Video: Midnight Run.
- Connections, illustrations, etc, 2017.
- "Redefining Wisdom," Faith Element, 2014.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 5, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Bible Study, Epiphany 5, 2014, Alan Cowart, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
- Estudio de la Biblia. 5 Epifanía (A) por Alan Cowart, Sermones que Iluminan, 2014.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2014.
- "With Ears to Hear," 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.
- "The Freedom of Obedience," 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.
- "St. Benedict in the City," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Cities and Towns," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
- "Is Economic Globalization Good News?" study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Global Wealth," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
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 5): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2017.
- Ruach Words, fresh language for worship, 2017.
- 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)
- Ministry Matters.
- Worship Resources, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2017.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2017.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany 5A, 2017."Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
- Mustard Seeds, "Shine," Epiphany 5, 2017. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- "Fasting God's Way," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014. 2011.
- Worship resources for Epiphany 5 by Beverly S. Bailey from SermonSuite.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2014.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 5A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 5A, 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 5, 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.
- Lector's Notes, Ordinary 5, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- Creative Closing, Ordinary 5, George Hartwell, at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany 5, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany 5, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Sunday Prayer, Terri, 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 5, 2014, .rtf file index at site. Worship Ways, UCC. (Español)
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 112:1-9, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 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.
- Call to Worship, Mary Jane Konings, 2014.
- "Let Your Light So Shine," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
- Prayers of the People, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2014.
- Evangelectionary, February 9, 2014, Heather Lear, Evangelism Connections.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- 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.
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 5. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Ordinary 5, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Matthew 5:13-16, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Ordinary 5 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.
- City on a Hill, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
- Mustard Seeds, "Shine," Epiphany 5, 2017. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- The Painted Prayerbook, "Blessing of Salt, Blessing of Light,," Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- "Glow Rings," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2014.
- In It's a Wonderful Life George Bailey is Christ's light to Bedford Falls. There is a film named Salt of the Earth in which a browbeaten wife of a Mexican American miner emerges as an agent of change during a strike. Ed McNulty, Visual Parables.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- "Redefining Wisdom," Faith Element, 2014.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - A Little Bit of Salt is Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's new hymn based on Jesus' followers being salt and light to the world, Isaiah 58 images of ""repairers of the breach" and "restorers of the streets" with concern today for the poor and immigrants. Tune: LEONI 6.6.8.4 ("The God of Abraham Praise")
  - “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."
  - "Salt and Light are Found in Me," TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 5:13-20. TUNE: "Ratisbon." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 5A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Blessed Are Those Who Love You," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 112 set to Azmon or Arlington (CM) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.

Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 5A, 2017, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2014.
- Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany 5, UMCDiscipleship.org.
- Shepherd Sounds, Epiphany 5. Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, Ordinary 5, CanticaNova Publications.
- Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
- Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
- The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2017.
- 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)
- Prayers and Musical Ideas,. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.

Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Weekly Devotion Page, Faith Formation Journeys, 2017.
- 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 5. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 5, 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," 2017, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
- Dollar Store Children Sermons, John Stevens, 2017.
- "Your Gloom Be Like the Noonday," Fran Woodruff, On The Chancel Steps, 2014.
- "Glow Rings," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2014.
- Ministry Matters, February 9, 2014.
- "Fasting God's Way," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014. 2011.
- 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)
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 5, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
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.