About the Lexionary...

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God? Well, let’s talk about what those words have said. Why should one be thankful for them? How are we edified or reproved by these words?

The most frequent argument I hear cited for the use of a Lexionary-based schedule is that over the course of the three-year cycle, the entire Scriptures will be covered. I would submit that the same objective could be achieved by a systematic study of the same literature in sequential order over the same period of time. Some link between Old and New Testaments would certainly be helpful, and this could be done by studying on two tracks within that time span. But as it is, the simple reading of these texts without any discussion or context does nothing – nothing – to inspire thanksgiving or growth. In the absence of any systematic study of the passages that have been read, these words have become instantly forgettable. The ritual words that we utter following such readings become a hollow farce.