Gratitude for the Lectionary Cycles

Beloved in Christ,

Today I am thinking about the lectionary cycles. 

For our Sunday Eucharistic readings, we follow the Revised Common Lectionary. This lectionary follows a three year cycle referred to as Years A, B, and C. We are currently on Year A, and Year B begins on the First Sunday in Advent, as - oddly enough - Advent is the start of the new liturgical year.

During these three years, we encounter the same readings during the annual cycle of liturgical seasons - which, in a world of profound and dynamic change - feels comforting, stable, and familiar.

In addition to the Eucharistic readings we also have our rounds of readings during the Daily Offices. The Daily Offices consist of Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline. Both Morning and Evening Prayer have lectionary readings associated with them - usually an Old Testament and Epistle in the morning, and a Gospel in the evening, along with Psalms at both services.

These readings follow a two year cycle, known as Year 1 and Year 2. It’s easy to remember which year we’re on because if our year ends in an odd number (2025 for example) then you’re on Year 1, and if the year ends on an even number (2026 for example!) then it’s Year 2.

One of the amazing things I so appreciate about these lectionary cycles is that, over the span of 2-3 years, through our acts of devotion, worship, and prayer, we read through the Psalter multiple times - and we read through a vast majority of the Holy Scriptures - all built into our daily prayer life!

And as we revisit the same texts over and over again, new understandings unfold before us. Today’s Epistle reading from Romans 12:9-21 struck me as particularly moving today - It’s Saint Paul at his most loving, and most encouraging.

Be patient.

Persevere in prayer.

Let love be genuine.

If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I’ve read the Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Romans numerous times before. I’ve certainly encountered this text in my years of praying the office.

And for whatever reason, today, it’s moving me to reflect on how I behave in times of mundane busyness, stress, exhaustion.

I am so grateful for these cycles which expose us to the manifold delights of Scripture, and may we all be encouraged to continue forward in the faith, taking heart of today’s words from Saint Paul.

Yours in Christ,

Alex+