Judges 4:1-7 or Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Roman Catholic reading: Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Judges 4:1-7

Psalm 123 or Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 128:1-5
United Methodist reading: Psalm 123 or Psalm 76

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Matthew 25:14-30
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 25:14-30 or Matthew 25:14-15, 19-20

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • 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:
  • In the film Walking Across EgyptMattie Rigsby is like the servant who buried his talent: she refuses to take in a stray dog or to help a “stray” boy despite her son’s urging. And then..., Ed Mc Nulty, Visual Parables, 2014. 
  • Images linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance:
    • Last Judgment
  • Movies listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Judgment
    • Generosity
    • Grace
• Special Day Resources: Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day
• 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)
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2014. 2011. 2008.
  • "Sermon Seeds," Kathryn Matthews Huey, Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2017.
  • "Reaping and Weeping," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2017.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +23). Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2017.
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, 2017.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Bruce Epperly, 2017, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017.
  • Ministry Matters, 2014.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 28 by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 33A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Proper 28, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Rumors, for November 16, 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.
  • 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 offices.Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Judges 4:1-7 / Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
  • Psalm 123 / Psalm 90
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
  • Matthew 25:14-30
• 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.
  • "Entrustment," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2017.
  • Living by the Word, Audrey West, The Christian Century, 2017.
  • "Advent - minus - one," commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2017. Dont forget Saturday Night Preachers Party!
  • "Look to the Acorns," Ragan Sutterfield, Radical Discipleship, 2017.
  • "The Flock Restored," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2017.
  • "When God Is the Bad Guy," RevGalBlogPals, discussion and commentary, 2017. Don't forget Saturday Night Preacher Party!
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2017
  • "We Do Not Own What We Have," Joel Shuman, Ekklesia Project, 2017.
  • Provoking the Gospel, Richard Swanson, 2017.
  • "The Politics of Light," Richard Davis, Political Theology Today, 2017.
  • "Deborah, A Good Leader," Connections, Next Sunday Resources, 2017.
  • "A Plain Account," Wesleyan Lectionary Commentary, 2017.
  • "What Do You Have To Lose?" Janet H Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2017.
  • "It's the Dog," 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.
  • "Dreadful or Wonderful Piety," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2017.
  • Exegesis, Timothy P. Schehr, 2017.
  • "Reflections on Last Things," Ed Rommen, Journey with Jesus, 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.
  • Lectionary Poems, Scott Barton, 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.
  • "Peace and Security," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 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)
  • "Return on Investments," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2014.
  • "On Recognizing the Shepherd," John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2014.
  • "Does our performance match our profession?" Steve Godfrey, Church in the World, 2014.
  • "I was afraid," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2014.
  • "Whether Awake or Asleep," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2014. Use of images.
  • "Burying the Talent," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
  • "the Parable of the Faithful Servant," Stan Duncan, Jubilee Justice Blog, 2014.
  • "'She Shattered His Temple' Ten Suggestions for Reading 'Texts of Terror'," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2014. 2008.
  • "The Politics of the Talents," Mark Davis, Political Theology, 2014.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2014.
  • "Talent Show," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2014.
  • "Mirror, Mirror," 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.
  • Reflections on Genesis and Matthew for November 16, Deidra Crosby, hisharvestfield, 2014.
  • "Good and Faithful Servants," Thomas Beam, 2014.
  • "The Fearful Slave," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2014.
  • "Grumpy," Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2014.
  • "All Used Up," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2014
  • Echoes of Scripture, Brent Anderson, 2014.
  • "What God Do You See?" David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2011.
  • From 'A Thief in the Night' to Harold Camping, Carl Gregg, Patheos, 2011.
  • Sermon Notes for November 13, Michael Rich, In-Formatio, 2011.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 28. 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, 2008.
  • 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)
  • "Are You Sure You Want to Leave Me in Charge?" Judy Kincaid, A Sermon for Every Sunday, 2017.
  • "Making It Matter," Casey Baggott, Day1, 2017.
  • "Wake Up and Believe!" the Rev. Dr. Ozzie E..Smith, Jr.,Day 1, 2014.
  • "Trust, Not Fear," the Rev. Charles Hoffacker, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2014.
  • Propio 28A, El Rvdo. Antonio Brito, Sermones que Iluminan, 2014.
  • "Deborah," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • Ministry Matters, November 16, 2014.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2014.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Christ Is Among Us," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2017.
  • Bible Study, Proper 28A 2014, James Miller, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
  • Estudio de la Biblia. Propio 28A, por James Miller, Sermones que Iluminan, Episcopal Digital Network, 2014.
  • Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2014.
  • "Matthew's Nonviolent Jesus and Violent Parables," Barbara E. Reid, O.P., (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • "Called Out, Not Left Out," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Vocation," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
  • 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 +23): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 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)
  • Worship Resources, 2014, Rev Mindi, Rev-o-lution.
  • Worship resources for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 based on Judges 4:1-7 — 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 — Matthew 25:14-30 by Dallas A. Brauninger from SermonSuite.
  • LCA Worship Planning Page, 2014. "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
  • Ministry Matters, November 16, 2014.
  • The Worship Closet, Creative Worship Ideas, 2011.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Risk," Proper 28, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 22A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT, 2011.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 33, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2014.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 33, 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.
  • Lector's Notes, OT 33, 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. Katherine Hawker.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Worship Resources (prayers, etc.), Proper 28A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Common Worship CofE.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources, Pentecost +23, UMCDiscipleship.org.
  • Offertory Prayers, Pentecost +23, UMCDiscipleship.org.
  • 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 123, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2014.
  • Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2014.
  • Prayers of the People, Tracks 1 & 2, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2014
  • "Burying the Talent," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2014.
  • Prayers for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, The Pacific Pilgrim, 2014.
  • 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, Ordinary 33, Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 25:14-30, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 33 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, "Risk," Proper 28, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
  • "Play-Dough," John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, Video, 2014.
  • In the film Walking Across EgyptMattie Rigsby is like the servant who buried his talent: she refuses to take in a stray dog or to help a “stray” boy despite her son’s urging. And then..., Ed Mc Nulty, Visual Parables, 2014. 
  • Lectionary Clips and Hymns Facebook Page.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "End of Days," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "As the Eyes, (Psalm 123), "Like a Watch in the Night," (Psalm 90), lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 123 set to Eventide (10 10 10 10), Psalm 90:1-12 set to Rest (86 886) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Proper 28A, 2014, 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, Pentecost +23, UMCDiscipleship.org.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, 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.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Sing for Joy, Pentecost 27A, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
    • 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. 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, 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, Proper 28. 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 28A, 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.
  • Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2017.
  • "Play-Dough," John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, Video, 2014.
  • Poor Little Ted -- Children's sermon/story by Janice B. Scott based on Matthew 25:14-30 from SermonSuite.
  • 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.
  • Faith Formation Journeys, Children Sermon, 2011.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Risk," Proper 28, 2014. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.