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.

Easter 2 RCL C Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 118:14-29 orPsalm 150 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31 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.  The Collect But Thomas had not embraced that salvation until his encounter. He was saved but not aware of he was saved 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 5:27-32 When the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us.” Acts 5:27-32 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." Introduction to Acts Acts is the second part of a two-volume work attributed to Luke. The first is the Gospel according to Luke.  Luke’s Gospel narrative concludes with the resurrection and ascension of the Lord. Acts picks up the narrative at that point and continues with the story of how the early church was formed.  In this Easter season we have been jumping about in Acts Today, we have retreated from Acts 10 to Acts 5. Acts opens with the last appearance of Jesus and His departure into the clouds, followed by the Pentecost event which we will get to soon. The Set Up The followers emerge from the room and speak, converting 3000. A community of sharing developed. Peter accompanied by John performed a healing at the temple gate which incites the temple officials who arrest them. The preaching thus stopped had converted most of 5000 more people. They are released the next day with a warning not to preach in Jesus’ name again. Acts Continues Acts next addresses the sharing of goods with Ananias and Sapphira. The Apostles then appear at Solomon’s Portico for more healing, and they are arrested and jailed, but miraculously released and return to preach again. The temple police then bring them before the authorities for today’s reading. After they depart the council is prevented from further and more drastic action by the intervention of Gamaliel.  After the incident related in the reading for today the Apostles continue public teaching. The Point The point for the reading is not really the history lesson. The reading is a statement about the resurrection of Jesus and the temple. They are accused of bringing the ‘blood of Jesus’ on the authorities Ironic because at the first appearance at the temple, Peter had virtually excused the Jews due to ignorance See Acts 3:17. Psalm 118:14-29 Page 761, BCP Confitemini Domino 14 The LORD is my strength and my song, * and he has become my salvation.  15 There is a sound of exultation and victory * in the tents of the righteous:  16 "The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! * the right hand of the LORD is exalted! the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!”.  Psalm 118:14-29 Page 761, BCP Confitemini Domino 17 I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the LORD.  18 The LORD has punished me sorely, * but he did not hand me over to death.  19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the LORD.  Psalm 118:14-29 Page 761, BCP Confitemini Domino 20 "This is the gate of the LORD; *
he who is righteous may enter."  21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.  22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.  23 This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.  24 On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:14-29 Page 761, BCP Confitemini Domino 25 Hosannah, LORD, hosannah! *
LORD, send us now success.  26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; * we bless you from the house of the LORD.  27 God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.  Psalm 118:14-29 Page 761, BCP Confitemini Domino 28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you."  29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.  The Text   Psalm 118 is a Thanksgiving for deliverance in battle. It may be a complete liturgical piece with directions and words. It is the last of the "Egyptian Hallel" psalms (see Psalm 113 n.) So much has been excised for the lectionary reading that its meaning and form is lost.  The theme for the day’s reading is that the Lord did not abandon the petitioner to death – for Christians a reference to the resurrection. Seasonal Tie In V27- God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.  Palm Sunday was two weeks ago with its actual procession of Palm branches.  Now, after the resurrection, the procession reaches the horns of the altar! Psalm 150 Page 807, BCP
Laudate Dominum 1 Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy temple; *
praise him in the firmament of his power.  2 Praise him for his mighty acts; *
praise him for his excellent greatness.  3 Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn; *
praise him with lyre and harp.  Psalm 150 Page 807, BCP
Laudate Dominum 4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; *
praise him with strings and pipe.  5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; * praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.  6 Let everything that has breath *
praise the LORD.
Hallelujah!  Psalm 150 This is the last Psalm and with its up beat feeling is an appropriate ending. The instruments range from horns, harps and stringed to pipes, drums and cymbals.  The list includes all but one of the instruments known by scholars to have been used in this period. Luca della Robbia, Cantoria, 1431-38
Marble, 328 x 560 cm, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence
This loft made for Florence Cathedral was inspired by Psalm 150. Revelation 1:4-8 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:4-8 To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those Revelation 1:4-8 who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. William Blake, Angel of the Revelation, c. 1803–5
 Watercolor, pen and black ink, over traces of graphite; 15 7/16 x 10 1/4 in., Metropolitan Museum Background The Book of Revelation is a fitting close to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. It is best described as an inspired picture-book through poetic imagery and the reader's imagination. Many of the details of its pictures are intended to contribute to the total impression, and are not to be isolated and interpreted with wooden literalism. This apocalypse has been the object of widely divergent systems of interpretation. Today’s selection is from the opening section to the seven churches. Orientation Scholars are not sure when the Book of Revelation was written. Parts of the book may have been reduced to writing before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. It is probable that the book came into its present form toward the close of the reign of the Emperor Domitian (A.D. 81 - 96).  Domitian demanded that his subjects address him as "Lord and God" and worship his image. For refusing to do so, many Christians were put to death. One reason for the author's couching his teaching in mysterious figures and extraordinary metaphors was to prevent the imperial police from recognizing that this book is a trumpet call to the persecuted, assuring them that they would prevail  A good reason to keep the message secret. Understanding In order to begin our understanding, it is important to note that the book was written to an audience that understood its message and could easily interpret its symbols and meaning.  It was written to be mysterious only to the Roman authorities.  The early church contained many Jewish people who were conversant in the type of literature and the language used in Revelation. The rapid expansion of the Church to Non-Jewish people, gradually robbed the community of its ability to easily interpret these writings until much of the meaning was lost. Lectionary Selection This introductory section is selected for today, because it contains an early statement about the resurrection. It is likely that this introduction was in fact written prior to some of the Gospel accounts. We have then another early interpretation or thought about just exactly what happened on that first Easter day. Hans Memling, St. John the Evangelist at Patmos, 1479
Oil on oak panel, 176 x 78,9 cm
Memlingmuseum, Sint-Janshospitaal, Bruges Nicolas Poussin, Landscape with Saint John on Patmos, 1640 Oil on canvas
100.3 x 136.4 cm, Art Institute of Chicago 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.  John 20:19-31 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. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:19-31 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.” John 20:19-31 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. 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.” John 20:19-31 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. Introduction The Gospel of John is often referred to as “The fourth Gospel”  It is unique as it takes us behind the scenes of Jesus' ministry, giving us a glimpse into his eternal origin and divine nature.  As do the other Gospels, John records real events, but he goes beyond them in interpreting these events. John uses symbols drawn from common experience - bread, water, light, life, word, shepherd, door, way. In large part the Gospel consists of discourses of Jesus interrupted by questions or objections from the hearers - something that never happens in the other Gospels. Who and When? The reading Today’s reading is one of a number of post resurrection appearances of Jesus. The first to Mary Magdalene. Note Jesus simply appeared in a locked room, maybe they only just noticed him?  Also, in the first group appearance Jesus exhibits the wounds. The “skeptical” reaction of Thomas is not so much to the appearance of Jesus, but to the tale related by the others. Thomas is both shown and asked to touch – the same proof offered to the rest in the prior appearance. Thomas Thomas is named in all lists of the twelve but is a major character only in the gospel of John.  He appears at John 11.16 and John 14.5. His insistence on physical proofs for Jesus’ resurrection has led to the phrase "doubting Thomas.“ Several apocryphal works are ascribed to or are about Thomas, including the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas and the Acts of Thomas.  His name, which means "twin" in Aramaic, is the basis for his rather doubtful identification as Jesus' twin brother.  He is also said to have preached the gospel as far east as India. 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