The Pentecost Cycle
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series III, Cycle C
Pentecost is the third cycle of the church year. It is both a season and a cycle; as such it is the longest season and the longest cycle in the Christian year. It begins on the First Sun-day after Pentecost and may have as many as 28 Sundays after it. It concludes with the Day of Christ the King. It is often called "the Time of the Church," as an attempt to define its content and function in the life of the Body of Christ. It is a difficult time to preach, partly because of the length of the cycle/season, but also because the church year "theological framework" does not seem to be as evident as it is in the first half of the church year. And, of course, preachers have to contend with the "summer doldrums" in worship attendance and activity. On top of all of this, the kerygmatic events depicted and celebrated in the gospels of the first half of the year give more direction to one's preaching ministry and one's leadership in worship than Pentecost offers to preachers.
Pentecost tends to offer the perceptive preacher the opportunity to develop biblical and gospel themes in the context of the life of God's people in the world. One may develop sermon themes that, while revealing the edifying power of the Word and Holy Spirit, also point out, and call for, the response of the people of God right now. God's call to discipleship and obedience is always a proper subject in the light of his saving grace in Jesus Christ. Above all, the gospel must not be forgotten, and the Pentecost cycle/season is "dotted" with kerygmatic "accent marks" - the various saints' days - that help to maintain the proper relationship between God's grace in Jesus Christ and the faithful response of his people.
Preachers are reminded that the Gospel for the Year is read in a semi-continuous manner, serial-fashion, and encourages preacher and people to fill in the gaps with their daily Bible readings. They also have an opportunity to preach series of sermons from the second readings, which "float free" of the other two readings on Pentecost Sundays. The Old Testament readings, by and large, coordinate with the Gospels for the Day and, frequently, may be incorporated into sermons on the Luke gospels.
Since Pentecost is "the time of the church," it is crucial that preachers help people to make the most of it through their proclamation of the Word of God.
Pentecost tends to offer the perceptive preacher the opportunity to develop biblical and gospel themes in the context of the life of God's people in the world. One may develop sermon themes that, while revealing the edifying power of the Word and Holy Spirit, also point out, and call for, the response of the people of God right now. God's call to discipleship and obedience is always a proper subject in the light of his saving grace in Jesus Christ. Above all, the gospel must not be forgotten, and the Pentecost cycle/season is "dotted" with kerygmatic "accent marks" - the various saints' days - that help to maintain the proper relationship between God's grace in Jesus Christ and the faithful response of his people.
Preachers are reminded that the Gospel for the Year is read in a semi-continuous manner, serial-fashion, and encourages preacher and people to fill in the gaps with their daily Bible readings. They also have an opportunity to preach series of sermons from the second readings, which "float free" of the other two readings on Pentecost Sundays. The Old Testament readings, by and large, coordinate with the Gospels for the Day and, frequently, may be incorporated into sermons on the Luke gospels.
Since Pentecost is "the time of the church," it is crucial that preachers help people to make the most of it through their proclamation of the Word of God.
