Gospel commentary index Lectionary Year A
On this page, you can find an index to all the commentary articles on the gospel lectionary readings for the whole of Year A, together with links to the video discussions between Ian and James. The articles will be reposted with updates during the year—but they are listed here for convenience and planning ahead.
‘Open Reception’ and sexuality: three obstacles to a New Proposal
Andrew Goddard writes: The House of Bishops in July’s General Synod defeated a Private Members Motion on there being a “legitimate range of theological perspectives” in relation to marriage and sexuality. This week a Deanery Synod motion in Southwark is being introduced by The Revd Dr Charlie Bączyk-Bell. It proposes a similar approach in order to maintain “the overall unity of the Church of England, including the unity of each diocese under the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop”. It does so by appealing to the practice of “open reception” drawing on the Eames Commission and the Grindrod Report on women’s…
Paul’s affection for his people in Philippians 4 video discussion
The epistle for Trinity 19 in Year A is Phil 4.1–9. This reading follows on from the previous teaching about ‘having your citizenship in heaven’ and expounds what that means….
The Holy Spirit and ‘critical’ study of the Bible
The experience and sense of encounter with the Holy Spirit in Christian devotion is often set against the rational task of critical evaluation of the meaning of Scripture. But are…
How do General Synod elections work?
Andrew Goddard writes: The election process for the new General Synod of the Church of England is now well underway with the voting period having opened just over a week…
Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21
The Sunday lectionary reading for Trinity 18 in Year A is the second of three judgement parables against the Jerusalem leaders in Matt 21.33–46: traditionally, the parable of the wicked…
Can we make sense of the Israel-Palestine debate?
Why are our conversations (!) about Israel-Palestine so problematic? Why is there an apparently unbridgeable chasm between the two sets of views on this issue? Is there a way to…
Honestly—I really am not busy
Several times in the last week or so, I have received a communication from someone which says ‘I know you are very busy…’ and these have stuck in my mind….
What does General Synod need in 2026?
Elections are now taking place for the next quinquennium (five year term) for the General Synod in the Church of England. This is my ‘address’ (manifesto) as I stand for…
Matching our speech with our actions in Matthew 21
As we continue to read through Matthew’s gospel in ordinary time in the lectionary, for Trinity 17 in Year A we vault over the entry into Jerusalem and land in…
Who is writing the new Religious Education curriculum?
Guy Hordern writes: For more than eighty years, the Church of England has had a formal place in determining what is taught in Religious Education in England. That may shortly…
What did humour in preaching ever do for us?
Can we use humour in preaching? What does it do to help in engaging the listeners? What are the dangers and pitfalls? Was Jesus funny? Last Sunday week, after I…
