Getting on the Right Track

How will you approach the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the long season after Pentecost commonly called Ordinary Time? Many a preacher has searched in vain for thematic or theological relationships among the texts that do not exist. The readings for the Sundays after Pentecost were not designed to harmonize with one another as the readings do from Advent to Pentecost. Instead, the readings after Pentecost expose worshipers to major sections of both the Old and New Testaments.

Three Unrelated Tracks

The readings after Pentecost are on three unrelated tracks. In Year A, the Old Testament readings after Pentecost are on a semi-continuous track, hop-scotching through Genesis and Exodus, rehearsing the great stories of the faith that were once studied in Sunday school classes. The "track" for epistle readings provides a chapter-by-chapter look at Romans, Philippians, and Thessalonians. The gospel track follows readings from Matthew. Similar logic governs the selection of readings for Years B and C.

Too Many Choices, or a Great Opportunity?

Without obvious themes or theological doctrines to govern our choice of readings, you could easily be tempted to choose your favorite texts from week to week -- this week from the Old Testament, the next three from the epistle or the gospel. The arrangement of the texts, however, invite us to other considerations: What are the discipleship needs of your congregation and how will exposure to a continuous or semi-continuous set of readings (and sermons) help your congregation grow spiritually? At the beginning of this season, decide whether your congregation needs to hear the ancient stories of the faith found in Genesis and Exodus, the doctrinal challenges of Romans, or the stories of Jesus found in Matthew.

Preaching after Pentecost is an opportune time to preach a series, reinforce Christian doctrine or introduce newcomers to the "old-old stories" of the Christian faith. As you survey the rich selection of Revised Common Lectionary readings provided for worship after Pentecost, remember, Ordinary Time doesn't have to be ordinary!