09/01/2026
Brothers and Sisters of Grace, in a world of competing voices and shifting sands, God’s word leads us and steadies us. As the Psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps.119:105)
For the past three months I’ve been preaching from the gospel of Matthew, using the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. For those unfamiliar with the RCL, it is a three-year reading cycle (Year A, Year B, Year C) which moves through the Bible weekly, typically with an Old Testament, Psalms, Epistle, and Gospel reading. Typically, a common theme ties the readings together.
Lectionaries, in one form or another, are ancient. Christian lectionaries date back to the 4th century AD. Jewish Sabbath readings date back to perhaps the 5th century B.C.
The lectionary generally moves through the books of the Bible. In other words, the readings typically progress through a book, such as Matthew.
However, the readings do not always progress through a book because the readings are based on the Christian year and liturgical calendar. For instance, last week’s reading was Matthew 16:21-28. The very next reading, Matthew 17:1-13, is the Transfiguration. However, that is not the reading for this coming Sunday (Sept. 5, 2026). The Transfiguration has historically been used on the Sunday before the beginning of Lent because of its content. Similarly, during Advent, the readings contain themes of Christ’s coming and preparation. Therefore, it helps us experience the seasons of the Christian year as many of our Christian brothers and sisters have done for centuries.
The lectionary isn’t perfect. It does not cover every single verse or story. However, it covers most of the Bible. It sometimes forces preachers to preach things they normally wouldn’t preach. When the lectionary doesn’t cover certain portions, faithful Biblical preaching draws those portions into sermons when contextually and/or exegetically important.
And it’s a great way for the church to join together reading scripture. Each Tuesday (through the end of the year) I plan to email you the coming Sunday readings and designate which passage I intend to preach. You may read them however you choose: One a day, all at once, etc. I encourage you to read and reflect on them throughout the week.
The readings for Sunday, September 6, 2026:
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Psalm 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14
*Matthew 18:15-20 (Preaching text)
Thank you for being part of Grace. I am grateful to God for you, and I am honored to serve alongside you.
Blessings,
Ed Lantz
Pastor, Grace Methodist, Sulphur Springs, Texas
