Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 32
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 34:2-7

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Roman Catholic reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • 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 listed at The Text This Week's Art Concordance:
    • Prodigal Son
  • Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
    • Prodigal
    • Grace
    • Repentance
    • Forgiveness/Reconciliation
    • Recognition
    • Envy/Jealousy
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Textweek Blog and 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).
  • WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2019.
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Lent 4, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2019
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Lent 4, Second Scrutiny. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2019.
  • "Embracing Love/Re-membering Grace," Sermon Seeds, etc, Kathryn M. Matthews, 2019.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • Process and Faith, Nathan Mattox, 2019.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2019.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2019.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2019.
  • "Prelude to a Parable," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
  • Translation, Sermon Notes and Commentary, Stan Duncan, If You Lived Here You'd Be Home by Now, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Lent 4C, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Lent 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Rumors, for March 14, 2010, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
• 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).
  • Joshua 5:9-12
  • Psalm 32
  • 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
  • Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
• 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. 2019.
  • Living by the Word, Justo L. Gonzalez, The Christian Century, 2019.
  • "A Man Had Two Sons...How Will the Story End?" Janet Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2019.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, 2019.
  • "A Plain Account," Wesleyan Commentary, 2019.
  • "Life in Unexpected Places," Sermon-Stories.com, 2019.
  • "Prodigal Grace," Joseph Graumann, Jr., Modern Metanoia, 2019.
  • Fred Horton Lectionary, 2019.
  • "Gratitude Plus Responsibility," Connections, Next Sunday Resources, 2019.
  • Care for Creation Reflections, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2019.
  • Your Cliche of the Week, 2019.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2019.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2019.
  • Radical Discipleship.Net, "The Wild Lectionary," curated by Laurel Dykstra.
  • Earthkeeper's Preaching, 2019.
  • Theology of Work, 2019.
  • Stewardship of Life, 2019.
  • Church Health Daily Devotions, Butch Odom, 2019.
  • "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2019. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
  • Homily Week, 2019.
  • At the Edge of the Enclosure, Suzanne Guthrie, 2019.
  • This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2019.
  • The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2019.
  • Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2019
  • "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2019.
  • "Crackers & Grape Juice," 2019.
  • Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2019
  • Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2019.
  • 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, 2019.
  • Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2019.
  • Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2019.
  • One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2019
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2019.
  • The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2019.
  • Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2019.
  • Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2019
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2019.
  • Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2019.
  • The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2019.
  • SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2019.
  • Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2019.
  • "The Prodigal God," David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2016.
  • "Perspective Matters," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
  • "Letters to Prodigals," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
  • "Becoming Home," Shannon Schaefer, Ekklesia Project, 2016.
  • "Plenty, Paucity, and a Measly Kid Goat," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • "Prodigal Jesus," Andrew Prior, 2016.
  • "Lost and Found," Eric Smith, LECTIO, 2016.
  • "Eating Your Own Crops," John Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2016.
  • "Two Sons: How will the Story End?" Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2016.
  • "Parable of a Prodigal Father," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
  • "Young Man, Young Man" Lynn Miller, 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.
  • "The Politics of the Welcoming Father," Amy Allen, Political Theology Today, 2016.
  • "Welcome Home!" Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2016.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summmit to Shore, 2016.
  • Peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2016.
  • "The Undesirable Son," Modern Metanois, 2016.
  • "Preaching the Prodigal," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
  • "A Prodigal Son, An Undignified Dad," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
  • "A New Passover in the Wilderness," John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2013.
  • "The Regime Was Just Demolished ... by Tears," John Jay Alvaro, The Ekklesia Project, 2013.
  • "When the Manna Ran Out," Michael Coffey, 2013.
  • "Shame! God Exposes Legs!" Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2013.
  • "Prodigality," Robert Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2013.
  • "Difficult Freedom," Mark Ryan, Ekklesia Project, 2013.
  • "God Is the Prodigal Son: Reinventing Christianity's Most Beloved Parable," David R. Henson, Edges of Faith, 2013.
  • "This Man Welcomes Sinners," Lent 4C, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013. 2010 guest essay by Lindsey Crittenden. 2007 guest essay by Daniel Deffenbaugh.
  • "Celebrate and Rejoice," Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2013.
  • "A Gracious Plenty," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, 2013.
  • "A Doubtful Reputation," Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2013.
  • "Who is the heir - unconditional love and its response," Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2013. Resources for Mothering Sunday.
  • "The Stories We Find Ourselves In," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
  • "Grace Like a Glass of Cold Water," Beth Hentschel Scibienski, 2013.
  • The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
  • "Movements of Restoration," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2013.
  • Care for Creation Reflections, Robert Saler, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2013.
  • "Our Extravagant God..." Thomas Beam, 2013.
  • "Reconciliation, Sacred and Profane," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
  • "Celebrate!" Janice Love, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
  • "The Spiritual Practice of Openness," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2010.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • "The Land of the Settling Sons," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "The Day God Ran," the Rev. William Flippin, Jr., Day 1, 2013.
  • "Parables as Comedy," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2019.
  • "Which Comes First: Grace or Repentance?" the Rev. Dr. Robert Dunham, Day 1, 2010.
  • "There's a Party Goin' On 'Round Here," the Rev. Sarah Shelton, Day 1, 2007.
  • "Is There Joy in God's House?" the Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long, Day 1, 2004.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Embracing Love," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2019.
  • "Preparing for Joy," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) Lent, focus of "Christian Reflection," Baylor University Center of Christian Ethics, 2013. Focus article, "Preparing for Joy," Norman Wirzba. (Luke)
  • "Hearing Parables in the Cotton Patch," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of athe 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

• Resources and Images on The Text This Week's Lenten Resources page.
• Complete Liturgies (includes prayers & hymns):
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. (Terms of Use)
  • Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2019.
  • Taking Worship Home, Breen Sipes, Tri-Saints Lutheran Parish, 2016.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2019. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Lent 4C, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2019
  • "Plenty, Paucity, and a Measly Kid Goat," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, 2019.
  • Ministry Matters, 2016.
  • "A Gracious Plenty," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Lent 4C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2019.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Lent 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
• 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, Lent 4, 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", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (BCP TEC)
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • "Service Prayers for Lent 4," Worship Ways, UCC,.
  • Call to Worship, Mary-Jane Konings, 2013.
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 32, Lent 4C, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2013.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Lent 4, Second Scrutiny, 2019. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
  • Commentary on collect for Lent 4, Bosco Peters, 2016.
  • Liturgy Link, 2019.
  • re: Worship, 2019.
  • 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, 2019.
  • Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2019
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Lent 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Lent 4C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:11-32 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • 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.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2019. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "We're Part of the Blessing," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. A new hymn based on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32. Tune: ASH GROVE 6.6.11.6.6.11 D ("Let All Things Now Living").
    • “The Love of Christ Jesus is Urging Us On,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrating God’s reconciling love in Christ and our call to ministry of reconciliation, tune:  FOUNDATION 11.11.11.11 (“How Firm a Foundation”).
    • God's Great Love is So Amazing original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette on Jesus' three 'lost and found' parables in Luke 15. Tune: CONVERSE 8.7.8.7.D ('What a Friend We Have in Jesus'). This hymn is in Sing the Faith: New Hymns for Presbyterians.
    • "All Those Who Live in Christ Jesus," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune LOBE DEN HERREN 14.14.4.7.8 ("Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty"). A new hymn on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 written for The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2013 and available with the music.
    • "Cover Up," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "Blessed Are Those," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 32 set to Duke Street (LM), Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Lent 4, 2019, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary. Mothering Sunday.
    • You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2013.
    • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
    • The Billabong, Lent 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Lent 4.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Lent 4C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Lent 4C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
    • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. (Terms of Use)
    • Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources, 2019.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Lent 4, Second Scrutiny, 2019. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Worshiping with Children, Lent 4C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2019, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • Dollar Store Childrens Sermons, John Stevens, 2019.
  • Children's Sermon/Worship Station, Faith Formation Journeys, 2016.
  • "There's a Prayer for That: Everything Has Become New!" On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2013.
  • "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  • "Plenty, Paucity, and a Measly Kid Goat," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • "Magic Trick," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
  • "The Prodigal Son," Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2013.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2019. (Terms of Use)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2019. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "A Gracious Plenty," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Lent 4C, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • Ministry Matters.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
  • Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2016.
  • Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2019. 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.