Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm 126 or Psalm 119:9-16
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 126:1-6

Philippians 3:4b-14
Roman Catholic reading: Philippians 3:8-14

John 12:1-8
Roman Catholic reading: John 8:1-11

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: 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:
    • Mary and Martha
    • Woman Anoints Jesus
    • Christ and the Adulterous Woman
  • Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
    • New Life/Rebirth
    • Sacrifice/Sacrificial Death
    • Crucifixion
    • Redemption
    • Forgiveness/Reconciliation
    • Generosity
    • Greed
    • Clean/Unclean
• 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).
  • WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2019.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Lent 5, Third Scrutiny. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2019.
  • "Judas and Mary in Contrast," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2016.
  • If You lived Here, You'd be Home by Now, Stan Duncan, 2016.
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2019.
  • "The Fragrance of Life," Sermon Seeds, etc, Kathryn M. Matthews, 2019.
  • Process and Faith, Nathan Mattox, 2019.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Lent 5, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 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.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2019.
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • "The Sweet Smell of Faithfulness," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Lent 5C, 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 5, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Rumors, for March 21, 2010, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Jesus Now, Lent 5C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • 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).
  • Isaiah 43:16-21
  • Psalm 126 / Psalm 119
  • Philippians 3:4b-14
  • John 12:1-8
• 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.
  • "Loved into Future," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2019.
  • Living by the Word, Justo L. Gonzalez, The Christian Century, 2019.
  • "While You Still Have Me," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2019.
  • "Perfume and Poor," discussion and commentary, RevGalBlogPals, 2019. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • "Mary, Judas, Jesus, The Poor, and Me..." Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2019.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2019.
  • "Political Posturing or a Posture of Prayer?" Amy Lindeman Allen, Political Theology, 2019.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, 2019.
  • peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2019.
  • "God's New Thing," Glenn Monson, Law and Gospel Everywhere, 2019.
  • A Plain Account, Wesleyan Commentary, 2019.
  • A Provocation, Isaiah 43:16-21, Richard Swanson, Provoking the Gospel, 2019.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, John vandeLaar, 2019.
  • "Extravagant Abundance," Sermon-Stories.com, 2019.
  • "An Uncomfortable Meal," Patrick Faulhaber, Modern Metanoia, 2019.
  • Care for Creation Reflections, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2019.
  • Your Cliche of the Week, 2019.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2019.
  • "Imperceivable," 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Unexpected God," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2016.
  • "Simultaneous Smells," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
  • "Me, Too," Carrie LeRoy, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
  • The Preacher's Study John W.B. Hill, The Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission, 2016.
  • Devotion and Deceit, Glenn Monson, Law and Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
  • The Impossible Dream, commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2016.
  • "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2016. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
  • "Old and New Ways," Eric Smith, LECTIO, 2016.
  • The Politics of Extravagance, Robert Williamson, Jr., Political Theology Today, 2016.
  • "Costly: a Life Poured Out," Sharron R. Blezzard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • Peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2016.
  • "Leave Her Alone," 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.
  • "I Am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Stephen Fowl, Ekklesia Project, 2016.
  • "The House was filled with the fragrance of the perfume," Prospect, Robert Warren, 2016.
  • "Anointed for Burial," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2016.
  • "The Anointing," Janet Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2016.
  • "A Scandalous Gift of Love," Modern Metanoia, 2016.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2016.
  • "Extravagance!" Sermon-Stories.com, 2016.
  • "A Season of Tears," Larry Patten, 2016.
  • "The Anointing," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2016.
  • "Then and Now," lectionary poetry by Scott Barton, 2016.
  • "'She Did What She Could,'" Lent 5C, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013. 2010 guest essay by Mary Graves. 2007 essay by Dan Clendenin.
  • "Questions about Discipleship," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
  • "Her Extravagant Holiness," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
  • "Remember to Forget," John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2013.
  • "Lavish," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • Spikenard, Michael Coffey, 2013.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, 2013.
  • "Proper Confidence," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2013.
  • Lectionary Reflections, Summit to Shore, John Edward Harris, 2013.
  • "Annointed Warrior," Thomas Beam, 2013.
  • "Honouring God's Presence," Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2013.
  • "On Costly Nard and Cheap Hand Lotion," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
  • "Jesus and the Women," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • "There's no soul in safety, only shadows," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "Grace Upon Grace Upon Love," Karoline Lewis, Day 1, 2019.
  • "A Lingering Fragrance," Blair Monie, Day1, 2016.
  • "He's Done So Much for Me," by Carla Pratt Keyes. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Projectable video sermons for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
  • "What's the Point?" the Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Day 1, 2013.
  • "Press On," Frederick Buechner, 2013.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2019.
  • "The Prophet Mary," the Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Day 1, 2010.
  • "Investing in Life," Walter Brueggemann, "Lent Is 'Come to Jesus' Time," 2010.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "The Fragrance of Love," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2019.
  • "Play On!" study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sports," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008. (Philippians 3)
  • 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.

• 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, 2016.
  • Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2019.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2016. (Terms of Use)
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, John vandeLaar, 2019.
  • Taking Worship Home, Breen Sipes, Tri-Saints Lutheran Parish, 2016.
  • Mustard Seeds, "What Really Matters / Looking to the Future/There Is a Pool in the Desert," Lent 5C, 2019. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Ministry Matters, 2016.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Lent 5C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2019.
  • Worship Resources, Lent 5C, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2019.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Lent 5, 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 5, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection 1", "Liturgy: prayer reflection 2," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • 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 5," Worship Ways, UCC.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Lent 5, Third Scrutiny. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2013.
  • 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 5, 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 5. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Lent 5C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 12:1-8, John 12:1-8 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • 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.
  • Mustard Seeds, "What Really Matters / Looking to the Future/There Is a Pool in the Desert," Lent 5C, 2019. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "What A Waste," video by David J.M. Coleman, 2013.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Since We Belong to Christ" Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. A new hymn based on John 12:1-8 and Philippians 3:4b-14; Tune: CARLISLE 6.6.8.6 ("Stand Up and Bless the Lord").
    • "When Mary Poured a Rich Perfume," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune ELLACOMBE 8.6.8.6 D ("I Sing the Mighty Power of God") or FOREST GREEN ("How Beautiful the March of Days"). A new hymn on Mary's Anointing of Jesus (John 12:1-8).
    • "Whatever Gains I've Had," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune LEONI 6.6.8.4 ("The God of Abraham Praise"). A new hymn on Philippians 3:4b-14 written for The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2013 and available with the music.
    • "Reap Joy," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Lent 5C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "When the Lord Brought Us Back to Zion" (Psalm 126), lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 126 set to St George's Windsor (77 77 D) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Lent 5, 2019, 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, 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.
    • 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 5.
    • The Billabong, Lent 5, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Choral Anthem Project, Lent 5C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Lent 5C, 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, 2016. (Terms of Use)
    • Together to Celebrate, 2019, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Worshiping with Children, Lent 5C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2016.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2019, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • Dollar Store Children Sermons, John Stevens, 2019.
  • Smelly Hand Sanitizer, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children Sermons, 2016.
  • "There's a Prayer for That: Costly Perfume," 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.
  • "Lavish," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "Acts of Loving Kindness," Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2013.
  • "Remote Control," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
  • Children's Sermon, Lent 5C, Faith Formation Journeys, 2013.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Lent 5C, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2016. (Terms of Use)
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
• 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.
• 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.