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.

Isaiah 49:1-7 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42 Psalm 40:1-12 The Collect Epiphany 2 RCL A Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Collect Epiphany 2 RCL A The central image is shining light:  “Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: “illumined by your Word” “may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory” The imagery comes from the OT reading for today RCL Year A Isaiah 49:1-7:
"It is too light a thing that… and “ I will give you as a light to the nations…." COLLECT Epiphany 2 RCL A The image of light is a common Christian theme and OT Jewish theme generally as a contrast to darkness. For northern Europeans, in this part of the year with bad weather and the shortened day, the theme of light would be a symbol of the springtime to come. The light will bring life to the world as the days lengthen, a powerful and welcome reminder to us in the depth of winter. Faith A common theme in the readings for today is the Faith of God to his People and the Faith of his followers. There are other themes in the readings, but each reading touches on Faith. Isaiah 49:1-7 Part 1 Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The LORD called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, "You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
But I said, "I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the LORD, Isaiah 49:1-7 Part 2 and my reward with my God."
And now the LORD says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the LORD,
and my God has become my strength--
he says,
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel; Isaiah 49:1-7 Part 3 I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Thus says the LORD,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
"Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."  Book of the Consolation of Israel. This section of Isaiah is known by this title. This is the second “Servant Song” the first was last week. The reading is a dialogue, although hard to see initially. The first section is Israel, the servant, Speaking to God. The second is God’s response. God’s Response redacted: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.“ and "Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you." The Specific Sentiment The reading for its own statement is a statement that God, as one who is faithful, will restore and raise up his people to be an example for all nations. Also note the Pun, just saving Israel is too Light a thing, but Israel is to light the way for rest of the World to Faith in God.  Israel as A light to lead the world to God is a persistent theme in Isaiah See also Isaiah 42:6. To NT eyes, God describes the Glory that will be ascribed to Jesus. All with a hint of the visit of Magi, to be known as the Three Kings of later centuries. The second Servant Song  49.1–6 is known as the second Servant Song  A dialogue between the servant (Israel ) who speaks and God who responds. The Sharp sword is an image adopted by the NT in Ephesians 6.17, Hebrews 4.12, and famously in Revelation 19.15. Verses 5–6 relates to the mission of old and new Israel a light to the world also picked up in the NT in Acts. Isaiah and Revelation The Book of Revelation whatever one makes of it, draws heavily on OT images and symbols.  Isaiah in the first section of our reading describes the Lord’s servant as one whose mouth is a sword. This same image of the Lord’s chosen is used in Revelation 19 The Rider on the White Horse 11  Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name inscribed, “King of kings and Lord of lords.”  Israel's Mission in Acts Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia Acts 13 44  The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46 Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,  ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles,  so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”  Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi Part 1 1 I waited patiently upon the LORD; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.  2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.  3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; *
many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the LORD.  Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi Part 2 4 Happy are they who trust in the LORD! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.  5 Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! * there is none who can be compared with you.  6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.  Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi Part 3 7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure * (you have given me ears to hear you);  8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, "Behold, I come.  9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
'I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.“’ Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi Part 4 10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O LORD, you know.  11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance;*
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.  12 You are the LORD; do not withhold your compassion from me;*
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.  Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Prayer for Help This is a song lyric attributed to David. It is thought to be a composite of a song of thanksgiving with a lament [mostly omitted from the lectionary reading] joined for liturgical purposes. The theme is the faithfulness of God which relates to Paul’s Introduction in the Epistle and faith of those called to follow Jesus in the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Part 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Part 2 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Part 3 - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Authorship and structure The letters to Corinth are now presented as two separate letters. Scholars believe these were actually a series several shorter letters written by Paul to the church at Corinth in the early 50s AD.  Paul’s authorship is undisputed. Introduction to the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians Considered one of the most valuable of Paul's letters for the light it throws upon the thinking of Paul and for its vigorous presentation of the gospel in daily life. The letter presents a vivid picture of the actual life of a local church in the middle of the first century which was founded by Paul. The church at Corinth was situated near the center of the Roman province of Achaia in one of the most important cities of Greece.  Context The Section is the introduction to greet the reader. Paul states his message in its broadest form, that God himself is Faithful to his people. The letter almost immediately launches into the divisions that rack the Church at Corinth. The Gospel Duccio di Buoninsegna,
Calling of Peter and Andrew, 1308-
Tempera on wood, 43,5 x 46 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington  Bartolomeo Vivarini,
Virgin Enthroned with the Child on her Knee (polyptych), 1482 Panel, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Venice  This altarpiece was painted by a major Venetian artist for one of the larger churches in Venice. On the left are St Andrew and St Nicholas of Bari, and St Paul and St Peter are on the right.  François Duquesnoy,
St Andrew, 1629-33
Marble, height: 450 cm Basilica di San Pietro, Vatican  Duquesnoy was a French sculptor who made his career in Rome, one of the rivals of Gianlorenzo Bernini. This is one of the four colossal statues at the crossing under the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome. It is approx. 15 feet tall. By tradition, St. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross, so he is usually shown with one. The sculpture in front of Little Rock’s St. Andrew’s Cathedral is roughly modeled on this. El Greco,
Apostle St Peter, 1610-14
Oil on canvas, 97 x 77 cm,
Museo de El Greco, Toledo
Apostle St Andrew, c. 1610
Oil on canvas, 70 x 53,5 cm,
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest St. Peter has his keys and St. Andrew has the X-shaped cross, both traditional attributes. El Greco painted most of his career for the church in Spain. Pierre Etienne Monnot,
St Peter, 1708-13
Marble, height 425 cm
San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome  Monnot was a French sculptor working in Rome c. 1700; this is one of 12 sculptures (by different sculptors) for a remodeling of St. John Lateran, the second most important church in Rome. St. Peter is presented as a classical orator with a decisive gesture of the right hand and drapery that rigidly conforms to the lines of the body.  John 1:29-42Part 1 John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me,  John 1:29-42 Part 2 `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?” John 1:29-42 Part 3 They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon.  John 1:29-42 Part 3 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).  Introduction to the Gospel According to John The fourth Gospel explains the mystery of the person of Jesus.  As do the other Evangelists, the author records real events, but he goes beyond the others in interpreting these events.  Jesus speaks not in short ‘sayings’ but in complete ‘discourses’ on various themes. Position Long thought to be ‘theological’ Vs. the Synoptics thought to be historical. Since roughly the middle of the twentieth century support has been growing for the view that the basic tradition underlying John's gospel may be historically more reliable than previously acknowledged. Archaeological discoveries in and around Jerusalem have indicated that, when John uses place-names hitherto unknown such as Bethesda and Gabbatha , he was not being inventive but referring to sites now identifiable.  When? Scholars do not agree on the date which may range from 150 AD to 85 AD. Other texts from the time do not mention John before the 150 era. But a comment about being ‘put out of the synagogue’ may refer to a policy of Rabbi Gamaliel II dating from AD 85. John’s more developed theology would have required more time than the earlier Gospels. The Baptism of Jesus - John  This is the Baptism of Jesus as told by John – if you are not careful it will slip past you. John the Baptist states that he is outranked because Jesus existed before him. [John was actually older than Jesus See Luke– but this was not meant in years]. The Lamb of God John states that his knowledge of Jesus was given him by God at the baptism by a sign. V35-51 tells of the first disciples of Jesus. In Aramaic Cephas (Greek "Peter") means "rock."  Subtleties In chronological age John the Baptist was older – but in the prologue to John we know that Jesus was with God from the beginning. John the Baptist states that he is inferior based on this order of existence. John states that his purpose was to reveal Jesus by Baptism. The first disciples of Jesus came from John’s followers.