The Sunday Bible readings in the Revised Common Lectionary

These links are to Year A, Year B and Year C will take you to the PowerPoint lesson for the Bible readings for each Sunday in the three-year lectionary cycle. Lick on the link Year A B or C, then locate the lesson. The PowerPoint decks are numbered and titled with Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and the Proper also known as Ordinary time. These are linked to a OneDrive Cloud location and may be viewed online or downloaded.  

USE

These may be used to facilitate an adult education group discussion for an Episcopal Church. On the other hand, you may use these as a personal study about the readings for each Sunday. Each power point deck deals with the designated scripture readings for that Sunday, the collect from the BCP for that Sunday, and related artwork chosen for readings or the Collect.

Why these were Created

These were developed for a Sunday morning discussion group that meets for about one hour. The slides can be projected on a screen or shown on a television set placed so that the entire group can easily see the slides. The leader should have a general knowledge of theology and scriptures. The leader may be a member of the clergy or a layman who is qualified by for example completion of the four-year EFM (Education for Ministry) program or an equivalent. 

Sources

The scripture commentary is taken largely from the introductions, footnotes, and reference materials in the New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocryphal / Deuterocanonical Books, from the New Revised Standard Version, Edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Roland E. Murphy, 1989 Edition, Oxford University Press. The collects are drawn from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 using the modern language. There are other sources used which are indicated in the materials. The Notes page feature of the PowerPoint decks will often have more information than the slide. The group leader will need minimal skills with PowerPoint as each deck is complete with maps and animations. 

Scope and Time Available

A presenter can download and edit the decks as needed for the circumstances. The decks are long as they cover the readings and alternative readings and the collect. If there is limited time, then a class might cover only some of the readings. A facilitator may wish to cover only the Collect and one of the reading selections such as the day’s Gospel. 

Discussion

The class works best as a group discussion using the PowerPoint for the basic information about the reading. Some members may want to participate by reading the scripture aloud to the others and exchanging comments. Others may not want to speak at all but may wish only to listen or read the PowerPoint slides. Very often one of the readings on a given Sunday may spark a spirited discussion that uses up class time. When this happens let the discussion go and if needed skip to the end. When this happens that’s a good day. Even when there is ample time for formation a lively discussion will make the time seem short.

Questions

If you have questions about the use of these PowerPoint decks or glitches you can contact me by email at jbcross@cei.net.

St. Peter Christ Church Glass The Collect Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Collect The image in the collect is in two parts, the first involving the paschal mystery. The second is to show one’s faith through one’s life. The story of Thomas and his encounter with the risen Lord is always the reading for this Sunday in Easter. This incident in the life of Thomas and the disciples illustrates both the power of resurrection and the role of faith. Jesus was present before Thomas, salvation had occurred. But Thomas had not embraced that salvation until his encounter. He was saved but not aware of it and hence not able to enjoy the peace it brings. Then he became aware of it and thus able to enjoy it. The incident and its effect on the lives of Thomas and all the saints both then and now is the petition in this collect.  Acts 2:14a,22-32 Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the multitude, "You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know-- this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law.  Acts 2:14a,22-32 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, `I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' Acts 2:14a,22-32 "Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying , `He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.' This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses." Context This statement by Peter is given immediately after the Pentecost visitation, and parts of the statement are edited out for today concern that event. The reference at the end of the reading is Psalm 16:8-11. Acts The date of the composition of Acts is disputed.  Some have thought that the book was published prior to Paul’s martyrdom under Nero, about AD 65 - 67.  For others internal qualities that hint at the author’s considerable degree of historical maturity in assessing the significance of the first thirty years of the church’s history suggests a later date, perhaps in the 80s.  So, while the incident is early in the story, the point of view it represents took perhaps 50 years to develop.  Definite Plan And Foreknowledge Of God Peter Claims that the crucifixion was a part of a definite plan. In Luke’s Gospel, the probable author of Acts, this same position is taken in Luke 24:13-35 – while on the road to Emmaus two unnamed followers are discussing the Holy week events. Jesus appears and before they know Him, explains that the crucifixion was necessary. IF IT WAS ALL NECESSARY…. Why blame the Jews? The Romans? Or Judas? Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine 1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord,
my good above all other."  2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.  3 But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.  4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.  5 O LORD, YOU are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.  Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine 6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.  7 I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.  8 I have set the LORD always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.  9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.  10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.  11 You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.   Psalm 16
Song of Trust and Security in God
A Miktam of David. The Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from trouble.  The word Grave is translated from Sheol – means grave or pit a place where all go regardless of moral choice. English translations have however, translated the word as Hell or Hades. Miktam – the meaning is not clear it may be a musical notation it is associated with expiation of Sin. Resurrection Imagery Verses 10 and 11 have what appears to Christians as a reference to resurrection. Peter in Acts saw this as written by David to describe Jesus as stated in the day’s reading. Modern scholars do not agree whether this Psalm refers to David, to Jesus, or to David as a type of Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,   1 Peter 1:3-9 so that the genuineness of your faith-- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  Introduction to the First Letter of Peter This is a pastoral exhortation from an elder in Rome to rural Christian communities in Asia Minor. Some scholars argue that Peter had Silvanus dispatch this exhortation before his own martyrdom in Rome in A.D. 64. Others find such an early date improbable. The Churches it addresses are composed of Gentiles, resident aliens and household slaves in rural Asia Minor.  Gospel Connection Today’s Gospel is the Story of Doubting Thomas. This community also believes when it did not see. The salutation and address “To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” are omitted. This Section is titled ‘A Living Hope’ The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian hope, by this God has shown what He intends to do for the faithful. The reading expresses the forward-looking character of the Christian life Salvation is ready to be revealed; it is accomplished, but not fully manifest. According to the footnote-God permits believers to suffer as proof of the quality of their faith. Is this a satisfactory answer? Isn’t vindication a natural desire? The footnotes look to Psalm 26 “Plea for Justice and Declaration of righteousness.”  1  Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,  and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.   2  Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.   Didn’t the disciples say the same thing at the last supper?  How well did it work out for them? Peter at first denies but then later founds a Church and is martyred?  Scholars to the Rescue The particular ‘suffering’ for this group of converts who were former pagans is the loss of reputation and honor because of their new refusal to participate in the festivals. First Peter is one of seven ‘catholic’ or general letters focusing on Baptism, suffering and traditional exhortation to imitate their leader Jesus. John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-31 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.  John 20:19-31 Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." John 20:19-31 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. The Second Appearance The door is locked. “Jesus came and stood among them.” There is no statement about time. Jesus was recognized when He spoke. Similar to other appearances. “Breathed on them” and reference to Genesis 2:7 God’s communication of natural life to Adam when formed from the dust. The Third Appearance A week later, the door is ‘shut.’ and “Jesus came and stood among them.” Again no statement of time. Jesus was recognized when He spoke. Jesus then presents his wounds to Thomas. Thomas then responds in V 28 with "My Lord and my God!" the first explicit recognition of His Divinity.  Second and Third The first appearance of Jesus was in the readings for Easter.  The reading covers the second and third appearance and is the story of “Doubting Thomas!” However, the lawyer in me must cross examine. Note in the first appearance that Jesus showed his hands and side. At the next appearance Thomas was also shown and then invited to touch. So, Thomas did get only a ‘touch’ more proof than the others. But, is that the point? John then refers to those who have ‘not seen.’ Which is to say the rest of us who were not in the room. Thomas is then a bridge from that room to the rest of time and creation. Thomas Is mentioned as one of the 12 in all four Gospels. Appears in three episodes in John. Offering to die with Jesus at Bethany [J11:16] Interrupting the last discourse of Jesus [J14:5] Today’s Episode One of the group fishing that see the risen Jesus [J21:1-14] Just about Everyone Claims Thomas Thomas is said to have: Evangelized the Parthians or Evangelized India Evangelized Syrians in Malabar- there is still a group called “Christians of St. Thomas” Each group also claims he was martyred with them. Writings There are several apocryphal writings under his name. The Gospel of Thomas – Found in 1945 and dates from 150 AD it is a collection of 114 secret sayings with no narrative and Gnostic leanings. The Acts of Thomas – about his missionary activities was a ‘Gnostic’ book of the 3rd Century. The Apocalypse of Thomas – a Manichean work of the 4th Century. Infancy Gospel of Thomas – relates the Childhood miracles of Jesus. The date is not known. The Golden Legend Thomas is taken to India because of his skill as an architect in the “Roman” style. Thomas advocated an extreme form of self denial based on his belief that one should look to the heavenly and reject the distractions of life on the earth. This included abstinence even in marriage. He is killed as a result of the anger of a king whose Queen was converted.  The connection to India is that this was the land of the Magi – the first to adore Christ and Thomas was sent to evangelize them. Duccio di Buoninsegna, Doubting Thomas, 1308-11
Tempera on wood, 55,5 x 50,5 cm,
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena Andrea del Verrocchio,
Christ and Doubting Thomas,
1476-83
Bronze,
height: 230 cm
Orsanmichele, Florence Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, 1601-02
Oil on canvas, 107 x 146 cm, Sanssouci, Potsdam Peter Paul Rubens, The Incredulity of St Thomas, 1614
Oil on canvas;
Koninklijke Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp
Nicolaas Rockox, a famous Antwerp patrician and humanist, who was mayor of the city on a number of occasions, is shown as is his wife.  Peter Paul Rubens, The Incredulity of St Thomas, 1614
Oil on canvas; Koninklijke Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp
Nicolaas Rockox, a famous Antwerp patrician and humanist, who was mayor of the city on a number of occasions, is shown as is his wife.