The Christmas Cycle: Advent Season

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
In his time the righteous shall flourish. (Ps. 72:7)
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Preface: Advent
Color: Blue or Purple

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:4-9 (Psalm 146:5-10 NRSV) or Luke 1:47-55
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:7) - or - My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47)
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Preface: Advent
Color: Blue or Purple

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 (Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 NRSV)
Show the light of your countenance and we shall be saved. (Ps. 80:7)
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
Preface: Advent
Color: Blue or Purple

The Christmas Cycle: Christmas Season

December

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Christmas Eve (I)
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. (Ps. 96:11)
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
Preface: Christmas
Color: White

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
Christmas Dawn (II)
Isaiah 62:6-12
Psalm 97
Light has sprung up for the righteous. (Ps. 97:11)
Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20
Preface: Christmas
Color: White

FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
Isaiah 63:7-9
Psalm 148
The splendor of the LORD is over earth and heaven. (Ps. 148:13)
Hebrews 2:10-18
Matthew 2:13-23
Preface: Christmas
Color: White

 The Christmas Cycle: Epiphany Season

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
All kings shall bow down before him. (Ps. 72:11)
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Preface: Epiphany
Color: White

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
First Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
Preface: Epiphany
Color: White

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-12 (Psalm 40:1-11 NRSV)
I love to do your will, O my God. (Ps. 40:9)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
Preface: Epiphany
Color: Green

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 5-13 (Psalm 27:1, 4-9 NRSV)
The LORD is my light and my salvation. (Ps. 27:1)
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
Preface: Epiphany
Color: Green

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 2 or Psalm 99
You are my son; this day have I begotten you. (Ps. 2:7) - or - Proclaim the greatness of the LORD; worship upon God's holy hill. (Ps. 99:9)
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9
Preface: Epiphany
Color: White

The Easter Cycle: Lenten Season

ASH WEDNESDAY
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 51:1-18 (Psalm 51:1-17 NRSV)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness. (Ps. 51:1)
2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Preface: Lent
Color: Black or Purple

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Psalm 32
Mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD. (Ps. 32:11)
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
Preface: Lent
Color: Purple

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
It is the LORD who watches over you. (Ps. 121:5)
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17
Preface: Lent
Color: Purple

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. (Ps. 95:1)
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
Preface: Lent
Color: Purple

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
You have anointed my head with oil. (Ps. 23:5)
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
Preface: Lent
Color: Purple

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
With the LORD there is mercy and plenteous redemption. (Ps. 130:6-7)
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45
Preface: Lent
Color: Purple

The Easter Cycle: Holy Week

SUNDAY OF THE PASSION
PALM SUNDAY
Procession with Palms
Matthew 21:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. (Ps. 118:26)
Liturgy of the Passion
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Into your hands, O LORD, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 26:14--27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
Preface: Passion
Color: Scarlet or Purple

MAUNDY THURSDAY
Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
Psalm 116:1, 10-17 (Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 NRSV)
I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. (Ps. 116:11)
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Preface: Passion
Color: Scarlet or White

GOOD FRIDAY
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Psalm 22
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1)
Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42

The Easter Cycle: Easter Season

THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24)
Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10
Preface: Easter
Color: White or Gold

THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
Easter Evening
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 114
Hallelujah. (Ps. 114:1)
1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Luke 24:13-49
Preface: Easter
Color: White

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Psalm 16
In your presence there is fullness of joy. (Ps. 16:11)
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
Preface: Easter
Color: White

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17 (Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 NRSV)
I will call upon the name of the LORD. (Ps. 116:11)
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Preface: Easter
Color: White

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
Preface: Easter
Color: White

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Into your hands, O LORD, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14
Preface: Easter
Color: White

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:7-18 (Psalm 66:8-20 NRSV)
Be joyful in God, all you lands. (Ps. 66:1)
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Preface: Easter
Color: White

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36 (Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 NRSV)
Sing to God, who rides upon the heavens. (Ps. 68:4)
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
Preface:  Ascension
Color: White

THE DAY OF PENTECOST
Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30
Psalm 104:25-35, 37 (Psalm 104:24-34, 35b NRSV)
Alleluia. or Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:31)
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21
John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
Preface: Pentecost
Color: Red

Time of the Church: The Season after Pentecost

THE HOLY TRINITY
First Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
How exalted is your name in all the world! (Ps. 8:1)
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
Preface: The Holy Trinity
Color: White

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 4)
Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28
Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe. (Ps. 31:3)
Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 [29-31]
Matthew 7:21-29
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 5)
Hosea 5:15--6:6
Psalm 50:7-15
To those who keep in my way will I show the salvation of God. (Ps. 50:24)
Romans 4:13-25
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 6)
Exodus 19:2-8a
Psalm 100
We are God's people and the sheep of God's pasture. (Ps. 100:2)
Romans 5:1-8
Matthew 9:35--10:8 [9-23]
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 7)
Jeremiah 20:7-13
Psalm 69:8-11 [12-17] 18-20 (Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18 NRSV)
Answer me, O LORD, for your love is kind. (Ps. 69:18)
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10:24-39
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles (Lesser Festival)
Ezekiel 34:11-16
Psalm 87:1-2, 4-6 (Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7 NRSV)
Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of our God. (Ps. 87:2)
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Mark 8:27-35
Preface: Apostles
Color: Red

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 9)
Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-15 (Psalm 145:8-14 NRSV)
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (Ps. 145:8)
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 10)
Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm 65:[1-8] 9-14 (Psalm 65: [1-8] 9-13 NRSV)
Your paths overflow with plenty. (Ps. 65:12)
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 11)
Isaiah 44:6-8 (or Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19)
Psalm 86:11-17
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth. (Ps. 86:11)
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

St. Mary Magdalene (Lesser Festival)
Ruth 1:6-18 or Exodus 2:1-10
Psalm 73:23-29 (Psalm 73:23-28 NRSV)
I will speak of all your works in the gates of the city of Zion. (Ps. 73:29)
Acts 13:26-33a
John 20:1-2, 11-18
Preface: All Saints
Color: White

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 12)
1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm 119:129-136
When your word goes forth, it gives light and understanding. (Ps. 119:130)
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

St. James the Elder, Apostle (Lesser Festival)
1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 7:1-11 (Psalm 7:1-10 NRSV)
God is my shield and defense. (Ps. 7:11)
Acts 11:27--12:3a
Mark 10:35-45
Preface: Apostles
Color: Red

TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 14)
1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 85:8-13
I will listen to what the LORD God is saying. (Ps. 85:8)
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 15)
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Psalm 67
Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

Mary, Mother of Our Lord (Lesser Festival)
Isaiah 61:7-11
Psalm 45:11-16 (Psalm 45:10-15 NRSV)
I will make your name to be remembered from one generation to another. (Ps. 45:18)
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 1:46-55
Preface: All Saints
Color: White

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 16)
Isaiah 51:1-6
Psalm 138
O LORD, your love endures forever. (Ps. 138:9)
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Preface:  Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

St. Bartholomew, Apostle (Lesser Festival)
Exodus 19:1-6
Psalm 12
The words of the LORD are pure. (Ps. 12:6)
1 Corinthians 12:27-31a
John 1:43-51
Preface: Apostles
Color: Red

Nickolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, bishop, renewer of the church, 1872 (Commemoration)

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 18)
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Psalm 119:33-40
I desire the path of your commandments. (Ps. 119:35)
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 19)
Genesis 50:15-21
Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13
The LORD is full of compassion and mercy. (Ps. 103:8)
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

Holy Cross Day (Lesser Festival)
Numbers 21:4b-9
Psalm 98:1-5 (Psalm 98:1-4 NRSV) or Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
The LORD has done marvelous things. (Ps. 98:1) - or - God was their rock and the Most High God their redeemer. (Ps. 78:35)
1 Corinthians 1:18-24
John 3:13-17
Preface: Passion
Color: Red

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 20)
Jonah 3:10--4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
The LORD is slow to anger and of great kindness. (Ps. 145:8)
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Lesser Festival)
Ezekiel 2:8--3:11
Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes. (Ps. 119:33)
Ephesians 2:4-10
Matthew 9:9-13
Preface: Apostles
Color: Red

NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 21)
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Psalm 25:1-8 (Psalm 25:1-9 NRSV)
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love. (Ps. 25:5)
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 22)
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:7-14 (Psalm 80:7-15 NRSV)
Look down from heaven, O God; behold and tend this vine. (Ps. 80:14)
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 23)
Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
You spread a table before me, and my cup is running over. (Ps. 23:5)
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 24)
Isaiah 45:1-7
Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13]
Ascribe to the LORD honor and power. (Ps. 96:7)
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 25)
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
Psalm 1
Their delight is in the law of the LORD. (Ps. 1:2)
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

Reformation Day (Lesser Festival)
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:4)
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
Preface: Weekdays or Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Red

All Saints Day (Lesser Festival)
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
Fear the LORD, you saints of the LORD. (Ps. 34:9)
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Preface: All Saints
Color: White

All Saints Sunday
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
Fear the LORD, you saints of the LORD. (Ps. 34:9)
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Preface: All Saints
Color: White

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 27)
Amos 5:18-24 (or Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16)
Psalm 70 (or Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20)
You are my helper and my deliverer; O LORD, do not tarry. (Ps. 70:6) - or - The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction. (Wisdom of Solomon 6:17)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 28)
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: Green

CHRIST THE KING (Proper 29)
Last Sunday after Pentecost
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 95:1-7a
We are the people of God's pasture and the sheep of God's hand. (Ps. 95:7)
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
Preface: Sundays after Pentecost
Color: White

Day of Thanksgiving (U.S.A.)
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 65
You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths overflow with plenty. (Ps. 65:12)
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Luke 17:11-19
Preface: Weekdays
Color: White