Proper 26A/Ordinary 31A/Pentecost +22
November 1, 2020
(Reformation Day links)
(All Saints Day links)
(All Souls Day links)
With thanks to page sponsor 2017:
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Macon, GA

Image: The Humble Seat,
©Jan Richardson.

Please help support The Text This Week!

Joshua 3:7-17 or Micah 3:5-12
Roman Catholic reading: Malachi 1:14 - 2:2, 8-10
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Joshua 3:7-17

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 or Psalm 43
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 131:1-3
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 (see also study page for 1 Thess 2:9-13)

Matthew 23:1-12

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible (All Souls).
  • 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:
    • Joshua
  • Movies/scenes listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Judgment
• 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).
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives,. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2017. 2014. 2011. 2008.
  • Faith in Process, Bruce Epperly, 2017.
  • "The Paradox of Honor," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2017.
  • "What Should I Do?" Kathryn Matthews Huey, Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2017.
  • Evangelectionary, Bruce Laverman, Evangelism Connections, 2014.
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2017.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2014.
  • Ministry Matters, November 2, 2014.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Pentecost 20, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2011.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +21). Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2014.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 26 by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 31A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Proper 26, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Rumors, for November 2, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • 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, 2017.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: homiletical helps from Concordia Journal and audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2017.
• 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 officesAnnotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Joshua 3:7-17 / Micah 3:5-12
  • Psalm 107 / Psalm 43
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
  • Matthew 23:1-12
• 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, Rolf Jacobson and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 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)
  • "Words for a Time Such As This," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2017.
  • A Provocation, Richard Swanson, Provoking the Gospel, 2017.
  • peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2017.
  • "23:4," 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.
  • "You Are Holy (so act like it)," RevGalBlogPals, 2017. Don't forget Saturday Night Preachers Party!).
  • "You Have to Walk the Talk," Todd Weir, With All My Soul, 2017.
  • "For All the Everyday Saints and Sinners," Sharon Brezard, Stewardship of Life, 2017.
  • "The Ending of Fences," Andrew Prior, 2017.
  • Sacredise, 2017.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2017.
  • Theology of Work, 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
  • LectioCast - Homebrewed Christianity, 2017.
  • "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2017.
  • "Crackers & Grape Juice," 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.
  • Humbled and Exalted, Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
  • "Saints in the hands of a humble heaven," Michael Anthony Howard, The Pacific Pilgrim, 2014.
  • "Celebrity Preachers Beware!" Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2014.
  • "Do As They Say, Not As They Do," Joel Shuman, Ekklesia Project, 2014.
  • "Into the River," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2014.
  • "The Politics of Exalting the Humble," Richard Beck, Political Theology Today, 2014.
  • "Working for the Kingdom," Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2014.
  • "There To This Day," 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.
  • "Good Leaders Are Good Followers," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2014.
  • "Humility against Despair," Bob Stuhlmann, 2014.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2014.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2017
  • "Do As I Say, Not As I Do," Alyce M. McKenzie, Patheos, 2011.
  • Sermon Notes for September 25, Michael Rich, In-Formatio, 2011.
  • "The Truth about Freedom," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, ELCA, 2011.
  • Miriam's Tambourine, Memphis Theological Seminary, 2011.
  • "Your life will count for plenty," Neil Chappell, a weird thing, 2011.
  • The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh, Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2011.
  • "Contemplative Viewfinder," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2011.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • "Authentic Leaders, Discerning People," Vernice Thorn, Jacki Belile, Greg Carey, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 26. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • 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)
  • "Joshua," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • Propio 26A, El Rvdo. Antonio Brito, Sermones que Iluminan, 2014.
  • Ministry Matters, November 2, 2014.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2014.
  • Practice What You Preach, the Rev. Dr. Kris Lewis, Day 1, 2011.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "What Should I Do?" Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2017.
  • "God Makes a Way," Nikki Hardeman, Faith Element, 2014.
  • The Lectionary Lab, "Teaching the Text," Two Bubbas and a Bible, 2014.
  • Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2014.
  • 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 Pentecost Resources Page contains resources and images.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Pentecost +21): 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, 2014.
  • Sacredise, 2017.
  • Worship Resources, Rev Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2014.
  • LCA Worship Planning Page, 2014. "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
  • Mustard Seeds, "All Saints/What Is a Saint/Shining in the Dark," Proper 26/All Saints, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull.
  • Worship Resources for October 30, 2011, from Anna's Hosannas 
  • Ministry Matters, November 2, 2014.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 20A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT, 2011.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 31, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2014.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 31, by Rev David Beswick, 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, 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.
  • Outside the Box: Litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church. Katherine Hawker.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Lector's Notes, OT 31, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", (NZBP) reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. BCP TEC and RC.CofE Common Worship.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources, Pentecost +21, UMCDiscipleship.org.
  • Offertory Prayers, Pentecost +21, UMCDiscipleship.org.
  • Prayers of the People, Proper 26A, Fr. Jeremiah Williamson, Praying the Scriptures, 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.
  • Prayers of the People, Richard J. Einerson, 2014. (Click on "Weekly Prayers".)
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2014. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Worship Ways, liturgies, prayer, liturgical ideas, UCC, 2014.
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2017.
  • Humbled and Exalted, Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
  • Prayers for All Saints Day and 21 Pentecost, Michael Anthony Howard, The Pacific Pilgrim, 2014.
  • Prayers of the People, Tracks 1 & 2, 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.
  • Point of Contact - Where Life and Worship Intersect, Julie Gvillo, Call to Worship is published on Tuesday mornings. The Confession piece is published on Wednesday mornings. And the Prayers of the People is published on Friday mornings.
  • Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers, 2017.
  • Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2017
  • Engage Worship, 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, Ordinary 31, Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 23:1-12, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 31 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.
  • Mustard Seeds, "All Saints/What Is a Saint/Shining in the Dark," Proper 26/All Saints, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull.
  • Miriam's Tambourine, Memphis Theological Seminary, 2011.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services, ChurchGalleries.com.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • Lord, You Teach Us To Be Humble, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's new hymn celebrates Jesus' teaching on humility in Matthew 23:1-12. Tune: NETTLETON ('Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing').
    • "In Times of Great Decision," hymn for election year by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, tune: AURELIA 76.76 D.
    • "Let Them Come," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "God Is So Good to Us," (Psalm 107), "Vindicate Me," (Psalm 43), lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 set to Dix (77 77 77), Psalm 43 set to He Leadeth Me (LMD).
    • "God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever" Sung Call to Worship for Psalm 107, from Anna's Hosannas.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Proper 26A, 2014, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost +21, UMCDiscipleship.org.
    • 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.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • 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, 2014. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. 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, 2014.
  • 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, Proper 26. 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, Proper 26A, 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," , Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • Dollar Store Children's Sermon, John Stevens, 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)
  • 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.
  • "A Good Day Ends with Dirty Feet," Proper 26A, Frances Woodruff, On the Chancel Steps.
  • "A Halloween Adventure" Children's Sermon from Anna's Hosannas, for October 30, 2011
• 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.

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C