If you belong to Emmaus Road, you know that on most Sundays, and even in a few small groups beyond Sunday, we follow the
Revised Common Lectionary. I like to view it as a valuable guide for the church, and for myself as pastor and preacher. It disciplines us to move through much of the Bible over its three-year cycle. Many lections include passages which I would overlook, yet they are passages with much to say. If you read this post -
Something Other Than the Lectionary - along with ensuing comments, you hear good questions about the Lectionary's role, and how it can be used well or poorly. To some, it can seem a rigid, out of touch structure. It can be blamed for keeping preachers familiar with obscure Bible texts, yet estranged from people. On the other hand, people can seem to be in touch with their personal needs, yet out of touch with what the Word says to them. The entire topic raises the importance of healthy communication channels between us, God, and each other, and between preachers and congregations. We are reminded that a core belief of the Church is that God continues to speak to us through the Law, Prophets, Psalms, Epistles, in light of the Gospels. How well do we listen? How well do we share?
